I think my cluster is bad, so I want to swap it out. First will any model 96-00 civic cluster fit in my 98 DX (D16Y7)?

Second, can I still use my old odometer gauge in the replacement cluster so it reads true mileage (or near true) or do I have to leave the gauges alone and live with whatever new mileage the replacement reads?

 

any 96-00 civic cluster will work. You can swap out the odo's but it's a major pain in the ***.

 

Pain in the ***? Could I risk really effing them up or does it just take time more than anything?

 

you could risk messing them up to tell the truth. Gauge clusters are pretty solid units untill you open them up then they are very touchy as to what you do with them. If you try it be extreamly carefull

 

Hmmm...I am tempted. I will wait til my new one arrives and MAYBE take apart the old one to see if I think I can do it. First I need to find out how to remove the old cluster...

 

Just remove the speedo from your old cliuster, and move it to the new one and you're GTG, that is unless your speedo is what went bad...

 

Its really not too hard to switch it out, but you do have to be EXTREMELY CAREFUL!!

-the front clear plastic has many snaps that wrap around the side and it just snaps off. there might be a couple of screws I can't remember so just look out for them.
-then the gray gauge overlay snaps off. and then you should have access to the gauges.
-The speedo is held on by 4 screws from the back, and you should have it out. Just be carefull that when you put it in the new gauge cluster the screws are making good contact with the circuit board since thats how the gauge gets all of its power and signal.

 

biggest thing, DONT REMOVE THE NEEDLES! Once they get taken off once they're useless, need a new cluster.