Hey guys

ordered a 99 spec cluster from Japan for my jdm FD, on the back I noticed it had these soldering points done, with a sort of resistor, never seen this on any cluster or late spec cluster for that matter. Does anyone know what it's meant to do? The solder joints looks factory :/ I'm quite confused. This is in the bottom right corner of the cluster on the back.

 

Well, i can say that's a diode and not a resistor. A diode only lets electicity flow 1 way. Other than that, if it all works ok, does it really matter what it is?

 

Well yes to me it does matter because I like to learn, and like to know why things are and what they do...

if we just bought an Rx7 and cos it works just leave it there, we wouldn't be enthusiasts right. I'm curious because all images of late spec clusters have the solder joints there with sort of black markings by them but no actual wiring or diode, so if clusters work fine without I would like to know why this was added and what it does

 

I've seen that, it's normal. I think they did that to make the boost gauge work without having to make a whole new circuit board or something.

In other words, nothing to see here, move along .

Dale

 

thanks for the reply Dale, I'm just confused because I'm watching on eBay right now same style cluster, same year, jdm and they haven't got this soldered on :/ by the solder joints there's black markings tho.

 

thanks dale, but why do some cluster same design, same year, same everything not have this?

 

Keep us posted with your discoveries .

 

I'm an automotive electrical engineer, and I can tell you stuff like this is sometimes done to save a PCB spin. Usually not so much when something goes to mass production, but with short timelines and small volumes, things like this happen. So if a countermeasure has been identified, current products may be modified until a board spin or design change.