Installation instructions for mk3 cluster into mk2 gti

So I ran into a serious snag trying to swap in a mk3 vr6 cluster from a 96 into my 89 gti vr6 swap. Currently the car has a ce1 mk2 cluster that is somewhat functional as the speedometer does not work. The rpms work, most indicator lights, and even the MFA works on the mk2 stock. I dont know how this car was wired up but I was confused to see the mk2 mfa stalk work and give readings on such things as oil temperature. So when I pulled out the mk2 cluster I immediately noticed that the plug connectors were bigger and different and could not plug into the mk3 cluster I bought. So I need help in figuring this mess out and I have done research all over the internet on this stuff and alot of it is scattered and half completed information. I cant find any proper diys with pictures explaining what needs to be done. I have included some pictures to show you guys my fusebox panels, and wiring harness. From what I can see, I think what they did was splice the mk2 cluster harness into a vr6 harness to make the mk2 cluster work. So from what you see, do i have a ce1 or ce2. What do i need to do? Thanks guys

Cluster plug connectors





Fuse panel boxes

 

How is this possible that it can't be a ce1 or ce2? Everywhere I read people are saying that I have a ce1 system. It looks like the ce1 relays. Is it possible that they consider us spec ones another name...digifant 1 possibly?

 

Thanks rubjonny, that was very informative as I never knew this. Over here in North America, people refer to them as ce1 and ce2 when they are discussing it on forums. That's why I thought it was ce1. So if the us spec golfs are not ce1, then what are they called? When you said the clock themselves maybe the same pinout as ce1 but they don't look right to you, is it possible to splice in mk3 plug connectors to my existing harness to connect to mk3 cluster and it will all work? So basically swap out the plugs in the picture to mk3 ones? My bad about the digifant Ecu

 

it seems like I have read every article out there on this conversion and not one explains anything on how to splice a mk3 cluster to work with a ce1 setup without using any ce2 components. From what I read, the only options I have is to change to ce2 completely or piggy back a ce2 fusebox from a ce1 with 5 wires. My plugs right now plug into a ce1 clock and definitely not into mk3 clock. Do you know a way too splice the mk3 clock into my existing ce1

 

Hey rubjonny, I just came across an old thread that describes your pretty much a master at making mk3 clocks working with ce1 fusebox.


This is what someone wrote about u


"ive just done this conversion and my golf has ce1 electrics. i paid a guy called rubjonny on the clubgti forum 60. posted my ce1 engine loom and my vr6 loom to him, 2 weeks later i recieved 1 mated loom, plugged it in to the original fusebox connected everything up engine side turned the key and hey presto! car runs and is spot on. much easier than changing to ce2 or piggybacking!


You can't do ths for me. I really want to make the mk3 clock work in my car

 

Thanks rubjonny for all your help. If i don't get it working by then, I guess we can discuss those options in October. I guess I will just keep snooping around the net and see what pops up. I think at the end of day, if I can't get it then I will convert the whole thing over to ce2

 

USA Fusebox uses some weird General Motors stuff iirc. Normally in Westmoreland cars this happens, Mexican built cars could use either Euro Central Electric or random ones are USA/GM style spec.

I'd convert the car to CE2 or you'll forever have these weird issues, post up on VWVortex about it, haven't been there for a long time so I can't tell you who to talk to, Mr Knappy was some form of Guru when I used to post there.

 

That's why I hate the situation I'm in...complications. Really sucks the guys who did my swap spliced into ce1 or whatever American spec fusebox you think it is. Too lazy to convert everything to ce2. Makes matters worse, I think I saw somewhere on my car that it was manufactured in the USA and not Mexico. Looks like I gotta rip everything out and put all ce2 wiring and boxes

 

Golf and GTI 1985-1989 US production had a separate fuse and relay panels yes.

The current flow diagrams are available in Volkswagen GTI, Golf, Jetta Service manual from Bentley Publishers.

There are also differences in 'A3' clusters depending on the supplier VDO or Motormeter. I did a few of these and have to find my notes to state what pins do what and how they would transpose to your relay panel.

If in Toronto, I know a man in Brampton who could be of help.

 

Sure that would be great if you can refer this man to me to help me out. Brampton is 15 minuets from me

 

Yep that's right. The swap was done a while ago and yes the vr6 engine loom is already wired in the fusebox. I found some stuff about wiring in the mk3 cluster to work with ce1. The cluster plugs are ce1 for sure but I will take another picture. I know they are ce1 because the cluster I have working now is a ce1 cluster and the plugs plug into it. From what I been reading, I have to follow a wiring diagram to wire the mk3 cluster to ce1. First plan of attack is getting a mk3/ce2 cluster harness. Then I have to dabble around with the speed sensor to get the speed working

 

Yep lets hope they are taped off and tuck away by the fuse box. Haven't got down and dirty yet to look out for those things. So the wire from the speed sensor and the wire from the ecu that controls the rev rpms, where do they splice into once inside the interior compartment? On the back of the cluster or the fusebox?

 

From what i see I'm not sure if I have a speed sensor or what from the tranny. The transmission has this thick white cable looking thing that comes up and through the fire wall and possibly into the cluster. I'm hoping this is not the mechanical speedo cable that I read about on threads. I have to take a pic of it. How do I find the wire for the speed sensor in the fusebox? I thought the wire was from the transmission