Must keep stock gauges connected from 99-2004 donor??

[timwert65]

Reading through my Basic Build manual, I noticed this gem:

"For the 1999-2004 Mustangs it is important to keep all of the boxes that are connected to the wiring
harness and along with the gauge cluster. If you are not using the stock gauges, you will still need them
to be connected behind the dash in order for the car to run."

My donor is a 2001 GT. I do not plan on using the donor gauges. Is there a way to bypass this? really don't want an additional gauge cluster sitting behind my dash.

[FFinisher]

Reading through my Basic Build manual, I noticed this gem:

"For the 1999-2004 Mustangs it is important to keep all of the boxes that are connected to the wiring
harness and along with the gauge cluster. If you are not using the stock gauges, you will still need them
to be connected behind the dash in order for the car to run."

My donor is a 2001 GT. I do not plan on using the donor gauges. Is there a way to bypass this? really don't want an additional gauge cluster sitting behind my dash.

Yes, you will need to get with a tuner to flash out the "PATS" Passive anti theft is the system that requires you to have the correct chip keep to start the car.it can be flashed out, once that is complete you wont need the cluster or the or the original Key.

[timwert65]

Thanks for the reply.
I knew about flashing the PATS system, but the book specifically states to Flash for the PATS for 93-2004 to be able to remove the original key from the system. But then states that you will still need to keep the black boxes and gauges attached.
So you are saying once the computer is flashed, i will not need these?

[cob427sc]

You will not need them. The gauges you are installing will work fine. You can also use a different computer box from a 98-2003 police cruiser and not have to flash the computer. For some reason, Mustangs and Crown Vic's built for police did not have the PATS system connected. I built a roadster in 2000 with a 2000 donor. I ended up speaking with an engineer at Ford, hoping to find a way around the PATS and he told me about the police box. After sorting through a few at the local junkyard I found one with the correct part number and it ran fine after that. Getting around the anti theft for the GTM was another scenario -----

[timwert65]

That is awesome news! thank you for the post

[Joecobr]

Beyond the PATS issue, dieting the wiring harness is another hurdle you will have to get over. I sent my donor harness to Art Cuesta. He did a terrific job dieting and also flashed my computer to get rid of PATS as well as a few other emissions items. The engine started on first turn over.

[frankeeski]

Another option for the wiring harness and gauge issue is to use one of these.

https://www.holley.com/products/fuel_systems/fuel_injection/terminator_x/terminator_x_and_x_max_ford_kits/terminator_x_mod_motor_kits/

Currently working on a car now we are installing the Holley TerminatorX on a 4.6 DOHC.

[timwert65]

thank you guys. sounds like i have a few options. I always appreciate the wealth of knowledge that is shared here.