Dakota Digital VHX-78C-MC User manual

650374
VHX-78C-MC
Dakota Digital VHX Instrument Installation for:
1978-‘88 Chevy Monte Carlo
1978-‘88 Chevy El Camino/GMC Caballero (will not fit clusters with sweep-style speedometer)
1978-‘83 Chevy Malibu (will not fit clusters with sweep-style speedometer)
Your new VHX-78C-MC kit includes:
Installation
Control Box
CAT5 Cable
Universal
Sender Pack
Installation Manuals
VHX Display
1. Remove the seven screws securing the bezel. Retain these screws.
1/8” Plastic Spacer

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2. Remove the six screws securing the blackout plate and lens to expose the factory gauges.
These screws will be reused.
3. Remove the factory gauges by removing the screws shown in the picture below.
Your cluster may vary depending on the factory equipment.

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6. With the modifications complete, plug the CAT5 cable in to the display, and feed the cable
through the opening on the right-hand side of the housing. Place the Dakota Digital gauge
cluster into the dash, taking care to align the mounting holes with those in the stock dash.
Remove the protective tape from the lens
4. You should be left with a bare housing. Remove all light bulbs and electrical contacts, as they
are not needed for the VHX system.
5. Using a die grinder, Dremel tool, or cut-off wheel, carefully trim the plastic bosses as shown.
This is necessary to mount the new gauge system.

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8. If the instrument housing was removed from the dashboard, reinstall, then attach the bezel to the housing
with the seven factory screws removed in Step One. Refer to the main manual for wiring instructions to
complete the VHX installation.
4510 W. 61st St. N., Sioux Falls SD 57107
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.dakotadigital.com
[e-mail]
7. Separate the stock lens from the blackout plate; the original lens is not needed. Place the blackout plate
over the Dakota Digital gauges while aligning the mounting holes. Attach the VHX system using the five
factory screws. Place the included 1/8” white plastic spacer beneath the blackout plate at the lower-most
mounting hole before installing the screw (white arrow).

650374
VHX-78C-MC
Dakota Digital VHX Instrument Installation for:
1978-‘88 Chevy Monte Carlo
1978-‘88 Chevy El Camino/GMC Caballero (will not fit clusters with sweep-style speedometer)
1978-‘83 Chevy Malibu (will not fit clusters with sweep-style speedometer)
Your new VHX-78C-MC kit includes:
Installation
Control Box
CAT5 Cable
Universal
Sender Pack
Installation Manuals
VHX Display
1. Remove the seven screws securing the bezel. Retain these screws.
1/8” Plastic Spacer

650374
2. Remove the six screws securing the blackout plate and lens to expose the factory gauges.
These screws will be reused.
3. Remove the factory gauges by removing the screws shown in the picture below.
Your cluster may vary depending on the factory equipment.

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6. With the modifications complete, plug the CAT5 cable in to the display, and feed the cable
through the opening on the right-hand side of the housing. Place the Dakota Digital gauge
cluster into the dash, taking care to align the mounting holes with those in the stock dash.
Remove the protective tape from the lens
4. You should be left with a bare housing. Remove all light bulbs and electrical contacts, as they
are not needed for the VHX system.
5. Using a die grinder, Dremel tool, or cut-off wheel, carefully trim the plastic bosses as shown.
This is necessary to mount the new gauge system.

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8. If the instrument housing was removed from the dashboard, reinstall, then attach the bezel to the housing
with the seven factory screws removed in Step One. Refer to the main manual for wiring instructions to
complete the VHX installation.
4510 W. 61st St. N., Sioux Falls SD 57107
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
www.dakotadigital.com
[e-mail]
7. Separate the stock lens from the blackout plate; the original lens is not needed. Place the blackout plate
over the Dakota Digital gauges while aligning the mounting holes. Attach the VHX system using the five
factory screws. Place the included 1/8” white plastic spacer beneath the blackout plate at the lower-most
mounting hole before installing the screw (white arrow).

MAN 650314:D
1
VHX
Analog / Digital Gauge System
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
Please read this before beginning installation or wiring.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
This
system
has an odometer preset option that is only
available for the first 100 miles of operation. See odometer preset section (pg 26)
for instru
ctions
and setup information
.

MAN 650314:D
2
Thank you for purchasing a VHX system from DAKOTA DIGITAL. VHX is a loose
acronym for Vehicle Hybrid Instrument Systems. Representing the latest electronic dashboard
technology for the street rodder, car, and truck enthusiast alike, the VHX system combines
modern digital electronics with a traditional look to give the driver up-to-date and accurate
information on the operation of his or her vehicle. Fully lit needles, backlit faces, and highly
visible LCD message centers are a few features that make the VHX lineup stand out from other
aftermarket instrumentation. The VHX system boasts excellent daytime visibility and while under
computer control, fully backlit and dimmable for nighttime driving. Monitoring solid state sensors
with microprocessor technology and driving precision stepper motors, the VHX dashboard gives
the driver unparalleled accuracy. User-customizable display feedback and additional features not
typically found on any other brand or type of instrumentation are standard in the VHX system.
Digital accuracy and solid state reliability will give you, the driver, quality service for miles down
the road that includes a limited lifetime warranty on a product engineered and manufactured in
the USA!
VHX INSTRUMENT SYSTEM FEATURES
Digital LCD displays
•Each of the six analog gauges can be displayed here as well as additional functions listed below. Features
are available on either display (L or R).
Mileage readings
•Million mile odometer.
•Two (A/B) re-settable trip odometer (0-9999.9).
•Re-settable service odometer (0-9999 countdown).
Performance readings
•High speed recall. This can be manually reset during normal operation.
•High RPM recall. This can be manually reset during normal operation.
•0-60 mph (0-100kmh) time.
•¼ mile time. This can manually reset during normal operation.
•¼ mile end speed (trap speed). This is reset when the ¼ mile time restarts.
Hour meter
•Resettable hours (0-999.9).
English/metric conversion
•Alternate speed and temperature can be displayed in LCD display.
Built-in Indicators
•Left/Right Turn signal indicators.
•High Beam indicator.
•Check Engine indicator.
•Brake warning indicator.
•4x4 indicator.
•Wait to Start indicator.
•Cruise control indicator.
•Gear position indicator which displays full gear word with use of Dakota Digital GSS-2000.
(purchased separately)
Special outputs
•Shift output to activate external light
•Selectable 2000ppm or 4000ppm speed output for cruise or ECM (not available when using BIM-01-1 for
speed)
Demonstration mode
•Holding Switch 2 while turning on the key will start the system going through a preset sequence of readings.
To exit the demo mode, turn the key off. You may also wire up a separate switch to power the gauges for
demo mode without powering the entire vehicle.
Auxiliary gauge readings in LCD message displays with expansion bus interface modules (BIM)
(purchased separately)

MAN 650314:D
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TYPICAL VHX DISPLAY LAYOUTS
Tach/LCD2 Message Center
Speed/LCD1 Message Center
Tach/LCD2 Message Center
Tach/LCD2 Message Center
Tach/LCD2 Message Center
Speed/LCD1 Message Center
Speed/LCD1 Message Center
Speed/LCD1 Message Center

MAN 650314:D
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WARNING
These are precision instruments and must be handled with care. Do not disassemble gauges.
CARE AND CLEANING
Never open the system or attempt to remove the needles as the calibration of the
instrument system could be thrown off. All systems are calibrated and tested before they
leave Dakota Digital.
The clear lens on the front of the VHX system can be cleaned with a mild soap and water
solution or common glass cleaners. Use a soft cloth such as a micro-fiber for wiping the lens
clean.
MOUNTING SYSTEMS
Most VHX systems and kits will come with a separate instruction sheet with mounting
details. Follow this sheet for mounting the actual display system in the dash, and then refer to
this manual for wiring and operation instructions.
CONTROL BOX MOUNTING
Once the display panel is in place, mount the control box within reach of the supplied
networking cable (approximately three (3) feet). If a longer cable is required, replacement CAT5
cables are available online as well as your local electronics stores. Choose a mounting location
that will allow you access to wire all of the inputs on either side of the control box. Double sided
tape, hook and loop fasteners or screws in the two tabs on the case work fine for securing the
control box under the dash.
When selecting a mounting location, avoid placing the control module next to, or
just opposite of the firewall from, ignition components, i.e.: Ignition coil, HEI, etc. Ignition
components can emit tremendous amounts of electrical noise, affecting the operation of
electrical components which can cause erratic operation.
***If you are purchasing a longer network cable to connect the display system to the
control box please make sure to get a CAT 5, CAT5E, or CAT6 “patch cable” and NOT a
“cross over” cable. Replacement cable should be seven feet or less.

MAN 650314:D
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WIRING
While the control box contains several connections, the wiring is straightforward.
Depending on how many auxiliary functions you want displayed, not every terminal will be used in
most applications. On the pages that follow, we describe the function of each terminal, what they
do, and how to wire them.
MOMENTARY SW2
MOMENTARY SW1
CAT 5
Cable
(To Display)
DISPLAY PANEL
STATUS LED
DIM-1
Optional
Cruise Control
Engage Output
Glow Plug Relay
or
Wait To Start
Output
ECU/ECM
Check Engine
Output
BIM
CONNECTION
ONLY!
4x4
Transfer Case
Switch
DAKOTA DIGITAL
GSS UNIT
1-Wire output
Right Turn
Signal Wire
Optional
Left Turn
Signal Wire
High Beam
Wire
Parking Brake
Switch
SPEED OUT
(2k or 4k PPM)
Connect to tail light circuit,
LED backlights will turn on
when termianl has +12V
Light or Buzzer
(4 Watts or more)
Tail Light
Light or Buzzer
(4 Watts or less)
Relay
EXISTING
FUEL LEVEL
SENSOR
RED
WHITE
BLACK
BLUE or RED
BROWN or BLACK
Additional ground wire to fuel
sensor body or mounting screw.
PRESSURE SENSOR
SEN-03-8
0-100 PSI
TEMP SENSOR
SEN-04-5
100-300 F
PULSE
GENERATOR
ECU/ECM
Speed Output
RED
WHITE
BLACK
+12V KEY ON POWER
(fused 5 - 20 AMP max)
Connect to main
chassis ground
Ignition Coil
(negative side)
- + ECU/ECM
or Ignition Box
(tach output)
SPEED SENSOR
SEN-01-5
16k PPM
ACC. POWER CONST. POWER GROUND TACH WARN SPD + SPD SND SPD - SPD OUT SW2 (-) SW1 (-) ADJ SND ADJ - WTR SND WTR - OIL + OIL SND OIL - FUEL + FUEL SND FUEL -
WAIT (+)
CRUISE (-)
GEAR (1 WIRE)
4x4 (-)
RIGHT (+)
LEFT (+) HIGH (+)
BRAKE (-)
CHECK ENG (-)
VHX
CONTROL BOX
CABLE AUX.
I/O
DISPLAY
www.dakotadigital.com
[email protected]
605-332-6513
DIM (+)
+12V CONSTANT POWER
(fused 5 - 20 AMP max)

MAN 650314:D
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TERMINAL DESCRIPTIONS
CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR INPUT
BRAKE SYSTEM/PARKING BRAKE WARNING INPUT
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR INPUT
LEFT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR INPUT
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR INPUT
4 WHEEL DRIVE INDICATOR INPUT
1-WIRE GEAR INDICATOR INPUT (FROM GSS UNIT)
WAIT TO START INDICATOR INPUT
CRUISE ENGAGED INDICATOR INPUT
FUEL LEVELSENSOR GROUND OUTPUT
FUEL LEVEL SENSORINPUT
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR POWER OUTPUT
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR GROUND OUTPUT
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR INPUT
OIL PRESSURE SENSOR POWER OUTPUT
WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR GROUND OUTPUT
WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR INPUT
NIGHT DIMMINGADJUSTMENT GROUNDOUTPUT
NIGHT DIMMING ADJUSTMENT INPUT
SPEED SELECT SWITCH INPUT SW1
TACH SELECT SWITCH INPUT SW2
2000 PPM SPEED SIGNAL OUTPUT
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR GROUND OUTPUT
VEHICLESPEED SENSOR SIGNALINPUT
VEHICLESPEED SENSOR POWER OUTPUT
RPM WARNING/SHIFT OUTPUT
TACHOMETER INPUT
+12 VOLT ACCESSORY POWER INPUT
MAIN CHASSIS GROUND INPUT
STATUS LED
TO DISPLAY
CONNECTOR
(Doesn't matter which one)
ACC. POWER
CONST. POWER
GROUND
TACH
WARN
SPD +
SPD SND
SPD -
SPD OUT
SW2 (-)
SW1 (-)
ADJ SND
ADJ -
WTR SND
WTR -
OIL +
OIL SND
OIL -
FUEL +
FUEL SND
FUEL -
WAIT (+)
CRUISE (-)
GEAR (1 WIRE)
4x4 (-)
RIGHT (+)
LEFT (+)
HIGH (+)
BRAKE (-)
CHECK ENG (-)
VHX
CONTROL BOX
CABLE AUX.
I/O
DISPLAY
www.dakotadigital.com
[email protected]
605-332-6513
DIM (+) NIGHT DIMMING INPUT
+12 VOLT CONSTANT POWER INPUT
BIM CONNECTION
STATUS LED
This LED is located at the corner of the control box, next to the GROUND terminal. The
LED is used for diagnostics and for a quick visual check if power is present.
•A steady flash, on and off, about twice a second indicates the system is powered and
operating normally.
•On steady indicates low power, below 9V, at the POWER terminals, or that the system is
in DEMO mode.
•A short flash once every four seconds indicates the CONSTANT POWER terminal is
powered and the system is in stand-by mode.
•Not flashing or lighting indicates loss of power or ground.
GROUND
This is the main ground for the display system. A wire should be run from this terminal to
the vehicle’s main chassis ground. Use 18 AWG or larger wire to ensure sufficient grounding.
Proper vehicle grounding is extremely important for any gauge (or electronics) to operate
correctly. The engine block should have heavy ground cables to the battery, frame, firewall, and
body. Failure to properly ground the engine block or the control box can cause incorrect
or erratic operation.
CONST. POWER
Connect the CONST. POWER terminal to a +12V power from the fuse panel that is “hot”
all of the time, or a fussed wire (5-20 amp) direct to battery power. This terminal should have
power all of the time. The constant +12V supply source should be a fused 5 - 20 amp circuit, the
system draws less than 1 amp, so sharing an existing constant power circuit will generally be fine.
Use 18 AWG wire to ensure the system receives a sufficient power feed. This terminal keeps the
clock memory as well as returning the needles to zero when the system is shut off.

MAN 650314:D
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ACC. POWER
Connect the ACC. POWER terminal to accessory +12V power from the fuse panel or
vehicle wiring harness. This terminal should have power when the key is on or in the ‘accessory’
position. In addition to turning on the display system, this is also where the voltmeter gauge
senses the vehicle electrical system voltage. The accessory +12V supply source should be a
fused 5 - 20 amp circuit, the system draws less than 1 amp, so sharing an existing accessory
circuit will generally be fine. Use 18 AWG wire to ensure the system receives a sufficient power
feed.
*** Never connect any power terminal to a battery charger alone. The system needs to
have a 12 volt battery connected to it. Battery chargers have an unregulated voltage
output that will cause the system to not operate properly and may cause damage to the
control box.
TACH Connect the TACH terminal to the ignition system. •On vehicles using a separate ignition
coil, connect to the negative side of the coil. The negative side of the coil will be the wire that
goes to the points or electronic ignition module. •For GM HEI ignition equipped engines, connect
to the terminal marked “TACH” or on some systems, a single white wire with a spade terminal on
it. •On some aftermarket ignition systems, connect to the TACH output terminal. •On computer
controlled ignition systems consult a service manual for the wire color and location. •With a
magneto system, connect to the kill wire for the tach signal. Do not connect the TACH terminal
to the secondary, or high voltage, side of the ignition coil.
To avoid having to locate a compatible connection, a Dakota Digital BIM-01-1 may also be
used with most 1996 or newer OBDII compliant computer systems to provide a tachometer
reading. When using the BIM-01-1, select “BUS” for the engine cylinder setting.
To ensure that the ignition system does not interfere with any other dashboard functions,
do not run the tachometer wire alongside any other sender or input wires. DO NOT USE SOLID
CORE SPARK PLUG WIRES WITH THIS DASHBOARD SYSTEM. Solid core ignition wires
cause a large amount of electromagnetic and radio frequency interference which can disrupt the
system operation.
The tachometer is compatible with almost all gasoline engines. The engine cylinder
selection, display update rate, tach signal type, and RPM warning point can be adjusted in the
setup menu under “TACH”. If a diesel engine is being used, you will need a tach interface such as
Dakota Digital’s DSL-1 or DSL-2. Be aware of the cylinder setting when using computer outputs
or reading the tach signal from an ECU. Some GM LS1 engines require the tach to be set up for
a 4 cylinder, low voltage signal when reading from the ECU even though it is a V8 engine.
WARN
The WARN terminal is an output to activate a small light or relay for a red-line or shift
indicator. The output is ground-activated when the preset warn RPM limit is exceeded. This
output can turn on a 4 Watt or smaller 12V bulb or can activate a relay to turn on a larger bulb or
buzzer. To wire a warning light to this output, connect one wire from the bulb to 12 volt accessory
power and connect the other wire to the WARN terminal.

MAN 650314:D
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If you need the warn output to be “active high” or provide a +12V voltage to power
something larger than 4 watt, a standard 12V relay can be used to accomplish this.
86 87
85 30
DO NOT CONNECT
SPD +This terminal is used to supply power to Dakota Digital speed sensor SEN-01-5. This
supplies 5V DC to the sensor and should not be connected to anything else. Connect the RED
wire from the SEN-01-5 to this terminal.
If you are using a 1-wire VSS output from a computer or a 2-wire pulse generator, this
terminal should be left open.
***DO NOT use this terminal to power any other devices; it is a low current +5V output.
SPD SND
This is where the vehicle speed sensor (VSS) connects. The signal supplied to this
terminal will be used by the control box to calculate the speed reading on the display and also for
calculating and saving odometer mileage.
Dakota Digital supplies a 3-wire sensor for most of its kits; SEN-01-5. If you are using this
sensor, the WHITE wire is the speed signal; connect to SPD SND. The RED and BLACK wires in
the cable are power and ground (5V DC) and their connection is discussed in SPD + and SPD -.
For 2-wire speed sensors such as a cable driven pulse generator, the polarity of the wires
does not matter. Connect one wire to the SPD – (Ground) and the other to the SPD SND
terminal. The speed sensor ground wire should be brought back to the control box to ensure a
proper signal is received. Twisting the ground and signal wires around each other provides an
additional level of interference protection. The speed signal wire should not be routed alongside
tach, ignition, or other high current or high voltage wires.
For vehicles which have a vehicle speed signal from a transmission sensor or ECM, tap
into the VSS wire and connect it to the SPD SND. Consult a vehicle service manual or wiring
diagram to determine wire color and location.
To avoid having to locate a compatible connection, a Dakota Digital BIM-01-1 may also be
used with most 1996 or newer OBDII compliant computer systems to provide a speedometer
reading. When using the BIM-01-1, select “BUS” for the sender setting.
This system can accept 4,000 ppm – 128,000 ppm speed signals with room for
adjustment. The speedometer is fully adjustable and calibration is discussed in a later section.
***Failure to calibrate the speedometer may cause your odometer mileage to
increase very rapidly if the speedometer is reading too fast.
*** The speed signal wire should NOT be routed alongside ignition components,
tach signal, or other high current/voltage wires.

MAN 650314:D
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SPD –
This terminal is used for speed sensor ground. The wire color is BLACK on a 3-wire
sensor. This insures a proper ground as well as providing proper hook-up for a twisted pair of
wires, or a solid state sensor. Only ground the speed sensor here. If you are using a single wire
output from a computer for the VSS then this terminal should be left open.
SPD OUT
This terminal can be used to supply a speed signal to auxiliary devices such as a cruise
control or radio volume adjustment. The output is scaled to the input speed signal coming into
the SPD SND terminal. It can be set to 2,000 PPM or 4,000 PPM.
***If you are using the BIM-01-1 bus speed signal option this output will NOT work.
SW2 (-) or Tach switch
The SW2 terminal is used for selecting the various RPM, engine, and performance
displays and also for entering the demonstration mode. The SW2 input is activated by a ground
connection. The push button switch supplied (or any normally open, momentary switch) is wired
by connecting one wire to SW2 and the other wire to a ground. When the button is pressed and
released, the tach/LCD2 message display will change. When the button is pressed and held for a
few seconds, any re-settable information displayed will be zeroed.
To enter DEMO mode, press and hold SW2 while turning the key on. The system will light
up and say DAKOTA DIGITAL on the message readouts; release the switch and the system will
stay in demo mode until the power is cycled off and back on without the switch held. All back
lights will be on in demo mode and the needles will sweep back and forth on the gauges.
SW1 (-) or Speed switch
The SW1 terminal is used for selecting the various speed, distance, and warning displays
and also for entering the setup menu. The SW1 input is activated by a ground connection. The
push button switch supplied (or any momentary normally open switch) is wired by connecting one
wire to SW1 and the other wire to a ground. When the button is pressed and released, the
speed/LCD1 message display will change. When the button is pressed and held for a few
seconds, any re-settable information displayed will be zeroed.
ADJ SND
The ADJ SND terminal is an optionally used input that allows you to have control over the
dimming brightness. By default, the system will turn on the back lights when the DIM terminal
has power, +12V, but this level is adjustable in the Lighting setup menu. Using the ADJ SND
terminal allows you to have a dash mounted control to vary the brightness while the headlights
are on. This requires Dakota Digital’s DIM-1 kit; a stock headlight rheostat will not work.
The DIM-1 has a WHITE/BLUE wire and a BLACK wire. Connect the WHITE/BLUE to the
ADJ SND terminal and the BLACK to ADJ - ground. The dash mounted dimmer will only vary the
display brightness when the DIM terminal has power, +12V.
ADJ –
This terminal provides a ground reference for the optionally installed DIM-1 for dash
mounted dimming control. The BLACK wire will connect to the ADJ – terminal, the
WHITE/BLUE connects to the ADJ SND.
*This terminal should not be used for grounding any other sensors or devices as damage
to the control box will occur. If not using a Dakota Digital DIM-1, this terminal should be
left open.

MAN 650314:D
10
WTR SND
The water temperature sender included with this system must be used. Other
senders will cause incorrect readings or damage to the control box.
The supplied sensor, Dakota Digital SEN-04-5, is a 100-300ºF(40-150ºC) temp sensor.
The sender mounts in the engine block, cylinder head, or intake manifold so that the end of the
sensor is in the engine coolant flow. It has 1/8” NPT threads and the included adaptor bushings
may be used to adapt it for various applications.
To avoid mounting an additional temperature sender on the engine, a Dakota Digital BIM-
01-1 may also be used with most 1996 or newer OBDII compliant computer systems to provide
an engine temperature reading. When using the BIM-01-1, select “BUS F” or “BUS C” for the
sender type.
The water temp sensor has two wires coming from the harness. The BLUE or RED wire
will connect to the WTR SND terminal, the BROWN or BLACK wire will connect to the WTR –.
Due to the construction of the sensor, readings at lower temperatures below 100 ºF may
be inaccurate. The sensor is designed to be accurate from approximately 100 ºF - 300 ºF.
WTR –
This is the ground reference used for 2-wire water temp sensors. This will connect to the
BROWN or BLACK wire from the Dakota Digital SEN-04-5. The BLUE or RED wire will connect
to the WTR SND terminal.
***DO NOT connect this terminal to any other devices
OIL + This terminal is used to supply power to Dakota Digital pressure sensor SEN-03-8. This
supplies 5V DC to the sensor and should not be connected to anything else. Connect the RED
wire from the SEN-03-8 to this terminal.
***DO NOT use this terminal to power any other devices; it is a low current +5V output.
OIL SND
The oil pressure sender included with this system must be used. Other senders will
cause incorrect readings or damage to the control box.
The supplied sensor, Dakota Digital SEN-03-8, is a 0-100 psi solid state pressure sensor.
The sender can mount on the engine block or in an oil pressure line off of the block. The sender
has 1/8” NPT threads. The included adaptor bushings may be used to adapt it for various
applications.
The oil pressure sensor has three wires coming from the harness, plus one bare shield
wire. The WHITE wire will connect to the OIL SND terminal, the RED to OIL + (5V DC), and the
BLACK and bare shield wire to OIL –. Do not route the oil sender wire alongside a spark plug
wire or other high current or high voltage wires. Doing so can cause incorrect or erratic gauge
readings.
If the oil pressure drops below an adjustable warning point, the reading will flash as a low
oil pressure warning. The default warning point is 10 psi. If the oil display shows in a LCD
message screen as “ - - ”, this indicates that the control box is sensing an open circuit, a short to
ground, or out-of-range error from the sender or sender wire. If the oil display shows “EEE” this
indicates that the control box is sensing a short to power or out-of-range error from the sender. If
either indication remains on the display, inspect the sender wire for damage, check the routing of
the sender wire, check the sending unit grounding, and check that the correct sending unit is
connected.

MAN 650314:D
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OIL – This is the ground reference used for three-wire pressure sensor. This will connect to the
black wire as well as the bare silver shield wire from the Dakota Digital SEN-03-8.
***The bare wire is the shield wire, connect this wire to the OIL – along with the BLACK
wire
***DO NOT connect this terminal to any other devices
FUEL +
This output is not typically used. It is a low current +12V supply for powering solid state
fuel sensors. Currently, it does not have an application for any Dakota Digital fuel level sensors.
***This terminal should not be used with a typical resistive type fuel sensor. For
most applications, leave this terminal open. Do not try to power other devices from this
terminal or damage to the control box will occur.
FUEL SND
The fuel gauge sending unit is not normally supplied because the display system can use
the existing fuel sending unit in the tank in many cases. The sending units that are compatible
with this system are as follows: GM, Ford, VDO, and Stewart Warner. It is also possible to
program a custom setting for senders that are not pre-programmed into the system.
Use the FUEL - and FUEL SND terminals and run a twisted pair of wires back to your fuel
level sensor. Connect the FUEL - terminal to the fuel level sensor body or a mounting screw to
insure the sensor is sufficiently grounded. The other wire is the sensor signal which goes to the
FUEL SND terminal.
If your wiring harness already has a single wire routed through the vehicle for the fuel
sender then it may be used. If using a wire from an existing harness, make sure that the wire
does not have power. The fuel sender gets power from the control box only. Fuel senders
reference their ground from the sender mounting plate.
The fuel sender type is selected using the fuel setup menu under “SENDER”. The settings
are discussed later in the setup section. Anytime the fuel level is below 10%, the reading will
flash as a warning of low fuel.
The fuel gauge will initially display “E” until the fuel sender type has been set, and a
message will be displayed that says to “set Fuel sender”. If the message display shows “ ---
%FUEL” this indicates that the control box is sensing a short to ground or out-of-range error from
the sender or sender wire. If the message display shows “EEE %FUEL” this indicates that the
control box is sensing an open circuit or out-of-range error from the sender. If either indication
remains on the display, inspect the sender wire for damage, check the routing of the sender wire,
check the sending unit grounding, and check that the sender selection is set correctly for the
sending unit that is connected.
FUEL –
Connect the FUEL - terminal to the fuel level sensor body or a mounting screw to insure
the sensor is sufficiently grounded. One terminal on the sensor is the signal which goes to the
FUEL SND terminal.
***For fuel level sensors that are attached to an electric fuel pump, or if you have an
electric fuel pump in the tank, make sure that the fuel pump is externally grounded to the
vehicle chassis. Attempting to ground the fuel pump to the Dakota Digital control box will
result in erratic operation and damage to the control box.

MAN 650314:D
12
CRUISE (-)
The CRUISE terminal can be used as a “cruise engaged” indicator. The CRUISE input is
activated by a ground signal from a compatible cruise control harness. Whenever the CRUISE
input is grounded, the system will display a small green “cruise engage” indicator.
WAIT (+)
The WAIT terminal can be used as a “wait to start” or glow plug indicator. The WAIT input
is activated by a 12 volt signal from the glow plugs. Whenever the WAIT input is powered with
+12V, the system will display “WAIT” on the LCD1 message display. This message can be
cleared by pressing and holding SW1, or once the WAIT terminal loses the +12V signal.
GEAR (1 wire)
The GEAR terminal is used for the gear shift indicator. The indicator is built into every
system, but will not light up unless a Dakota Digital GSS-1000/2000/5000 gear shift sending unit
is connected or a Dakota Digital BIM-01-1 with a compatible electronic transmission is used,
telling the system what gear the transmission is in. The gear shift sending unit is not included
with the system and must be purchased separately if desired.
The GEAR terminal will connect to the FIRST terminal on a GSS-1000 or to the 1-WIRE
terminal on a GSS-2000 or GSS-5000. Follow the instructions in the GSS manual for use with a
single wire display system. When the gear shift sending unit is connected, the gear name will be
shown on the LCD1 message display.
NOTE: The system will automatically change to the gear display for a few seconds
whenever the gear position changes, even if viewing a different message display.
4x4 (-)
The 4x4 terminal can be used on four wheel drive vehicles. The 4x4 input is activated by a
ground signal from a switch on the transfer case. Connect a wire from this terminal to the switch
on the transfer case. Whenever the 4x4 input is grounded the system will briefly display “ x
ON” on the LCD1 message display. When the signal turns off, the system will briefly display “ x
off” on the message display.
RIGHT (+)
The RIGHT terminal is activated by a 12 volt signal from the turn signal flasher. When this
terminal has 12 volts, a green arrow will light up on the display face. An existing wire from the
vehicle for the right turn indicator can be used or a new wire can be connected from the turn
signal flasher or power wire feeding the right turn signal bulb.
LEFT (+)
The LEFT terminal is activated by a 12 volt signal from the turn signal flasher. When this
terminal has 12 volts, a green arrow will light up on the display face. An existing wire from the
vehicle for the left turn indicator can be used or a new wire can be connected from the turn signal
flasher or power wire feeding the left turn signal bulb.
HIGH (+)
The HIGH terminal is activated by a 12 volt signal from the headlight high beam wire.
When the terminal has 12 volts, a blue high beam indicator will light up on the display face. An
existing wire from the vehicle for the high beam indicator can be used or a new wire can be
connected from the high beam side of the hi/low beam switch.