Dakota Digital MCL-3K-B User manual

Manual # 650301:B
MCL-3000 SERIES BOOST GAUGE
PART# MCL-3K-B
Thank you for purchasing the Dakota Digital MCL-3K-B gauge for your Harley Davidson Touring bike.
This gauge is designed to be a direct, plug in replacement for all touring models from 1996 and up. This
is part of a six gauge package for touring models so you can add additional gauges as you choose.
The MCL-3K-B gauge comes with a vacuum/boost pressure sensor. You must use the supplied
sensor, other sensors will result in inaccurate readings.
INSTALLATION
First read and familiarize yourself with all of the components and this manual. The first step is to
remove the seat and disconnect the negative side of the battery, as with any electronic install. Once the
battery is disconnected you are ready to start.
REMOVAL OF FACTORY GAUGES
Remove the outer fairing; this will vary from model to model, please follow the service manual to
expose the wiring and gauges. Don’t be alarmed by the amount of wires behind the fairing, this is a
direct plug in kit and these detailed instructions will guide you through it.
Pic of Street Glide with outer fairing removed Pic of Road Glide with outer fairing removed
All of the small gauges, fuel, volts, oil, and air temp have two plugs. One is for illumination the
other is for the gauge power, ground, and sensor signal. The illumination harness, two pins (orange and
black wires), will not be reused and can hang freely inside the fairing with the bulb removed, or can be
secured to the other gauge wires to clean things up. The three pin connector from the stock gauge will be
used to connect the new Dakota Digital MCL-3K gauge. Unplug connectors at the back of the gauge,
then remove the two 5/16” nuts holding the clamps onto each small gauge and remove the gauges.
***New nuts for the small gauges are included in the hardware pack DO NOT reuse the stock nuts for the
new gauges; they are not the same thread.

Manual # 650301:B
Once the gauge is removed, save the clamp as it will be reused with the new MCL gauge.
Remove the small gauge with 5/16” wrench or nut driver Save Clamp, and reuse for install
INSTALLATION OF NEW MCL-3K-B GAUGE
Install the new gauge into the fairing using the original clamp, along with the supplied nuts. Be
sure the alignment tab on the clamp lines up with the notches in the fairing when tightening the clamp
back up, flat side down.
WIRING
Wiring the gauge will be slightly different than before as the bike doesn’t have provisions for the
new sensor. Use the supplied sensor and wiring to make a jumper harness from the original plug to the
new BOOST gauge.
*DO NOT connect the factory connector direct to the gauge, use supplied wiring.
If the wiring harness plug is not available, wire according to the drawing on next page. Standard
¼” female spade connectors can be used to make a connection to the gauge.
The second connector toward the top of the back side of the gauge is where the supplied
Switch/Dim harness connects. Both inputs are “triggered” when there is +12V on either wire.
BLUE Wire (Dim Input)
The BLUE wire is used for optional night time dimming function. When this wire receives
+12V the gauge will dim to about ½ brightness.
GREEN Wire (Switch Input)
The GREEN wire is used for a switch input for entering setup. This wire can be wired to a
momentary push button switch and the other side of the switch to +12V. The wire can
also be stripped back and touched to +12V to enter setup and then taped off once
complete.
(Wiring diagram on next page)
POWER
(+12V Key ON)
GROUND
SENDER
SWITCH/DIM
PLUG

Manual # 650301:B
Back View of Gauge
Dim Input (active high +12V)
BLUE wire
Switch Input (active high +12V)
GREEN wire
Optional momentary
push button switch
Connect to main
chassis ground
+12V
KEY ON POWER Sender Terminal
+12V
KEY ON POWER +12V KEY ON POWER
Optional toggle
switch
Dakota Digital
BOOST SENSOR
Ground
+12V KEY ON POWER
RED
BLACK
WHITE
If you are replacing a gauge in a set of Dakota Digital gauges, plug the small, white, two-pin
connector into the air pressure gauge just as it was on the other gauge you removed. If you are adding
this gauge to the set rather than replacing one (you will have a total of 5 small Dakota Digital gauges on
the bike) you will need to locate any one of the other BLUE and GREEN wires going to the other gauges
in the set, cut and splice into the new harness. Match BLUE to BLUE and GREEN to GREEN. If you are
installing multiple MCL-3K gauges without a Dakota Digital Speedometer, you can tie the GREEN wires
together and then to one switch. The same is true for the BLUE wire, wire all of them to one switch.
If you have an MCL-3K Tachometer, it will actually serve as the dimming “switch”. The BLUE
wire on any of the MCL-3K Tachs will provide a +12V output for the dimming function. The gauge has a
light sensor behind the lens and when the ambient light is dim or low it will “turn on” the output and
supply +12V to the BLUE wire. You will not need to wire in a toggle switch if you have an MCL-3K
tachometer and choose to wire it this way.
Back View of Gauges
Dim Input (+12V)
BLUE wire
Switch Input (+12V)
GREEN wire
Optional momentary
push button switch
+12V
KEY ON POWER
+12V
KEY ON POWER
Optional toggle
switch
Continue wiring to other
MCL-3K gauges
Factory
gauge plug
+12V power
RED (PWR)
Ground
BLACK (GND)
Boost sensor
Signal
WHITE (SND)
Boost sensor
Ground
BLACK (GND)
Dim and
Switch
Boost sensor
Power
RED (PWR)

Manual # 650301:B
To complete the installation, thread the supplied 1/8” NPT to 1/8” vacuum line adaptor on the end of the sensor
(thread sealant may be used to seal the threads). Secure the sensor to a fairing bracket or some of the wiring
behind the fairing making sure it doesn’t interfere with the outer fairing.
Lastly, route the supplied 1/8” vacuum line to an appropriate spot to pick up boost pressure from the turbo or
super charger. The supplied “T” can be used to t-into and existing vacuum line.
Elevation above sea level
inHg
PSIA
Elevation above sea level
inHg
PSIA
-2700
32.4
16.2
3300
26
13
-2400
32
16
3700
25.6
12.8
-2000
31.6
15.8
4200
25.2
12.6
-1700
31.2
15.6
4600
24.8
12.4
-1300
30.8
15.4
5000
24.4
12.2
-1000
30.4
15.2
5500
24
12
-600
30
15
5900
23.6
11.8
-200
29.6
14.8
6400
23.2
11.6
200
29.2
14.6
6800
22.8
11.4
600
28.8
14.4
7300
22.4
11.2
900
28.4
14.2
7800
22
11
1300
28
14
8200
21.6
10.8
1700
27.6
13.8
8700
21.2
10.6
2100
27.2
13.6
9200
20.8
10.4
2500
26.8
13.4
9700
20.4
10.2
2900
26.4
13.2
SEN-09-5-M
Boost Sensor
1/8” NPT to 1/8”
Vac. hose fitting

Manual # 650301:B
GAUGE SETUP
The GREEN switch input wire, in the two pin connector, is used to enter setup. If you are only
installing one or a couple Dakota Digital MCL-3K gauges set up may seem a little strange since they are
designed to work as a set, however you’ll simply cycle through a few screens to get to the desired gauge.
The table below shows what will be on the gauge with each button press, or tapping the GREEN wire
high +12V.
Speed
Tach
Oil psi
Oil temp
Fuel
Volt
Boost
1st







2nd







3rd







4th







5th







6th







7th







8th







Please note that the word “switch” in the setup instruction is in reference to the GREEN wire, you
can install any momentary push button switch and use that or simply strip the wire back and hold or tap
the GREEN wire to a +12V source for set up. Once setup is complete, cover the end of the GREEN wire
and secure it so it cannot accidentally be shorted.
To enter setup:
Press and hold the switch while turning the key on, the gauge should light and show “xx” (xx is
the software code and may be used for tech support).
Release the switch and “”should be displayed. Looking at the table, above, press and
release the switch and scroll through until you see “”on the display; this is the screen you
need to get to in order to enter the vacuum/boost setup.
Press and hold the switch until “” is displayed in the boost gauge to jump into setup.
Press and release the switch to toggle through the values in the table on the preceding page to
select the appropriate atmospheric pressure (PSIA) for the desired elevation (typical is 14.6 or
14.8). If you know the barometric pressure in inHg, that can be used to look up the appropriate
PSIA.
When the desired atmospheric pressure is displayed, press and hold the switch until “” is
displayed.
Press and release the switch to toggle through to the desired high pressure warning point, 5-35
psi. This will be the high boost warning point.
When the desired high pressure value is displayed, press and hold the switch until “” is
displayed.
Press and release the switch to toggle from “” for a slower averaged reading on the gauge,
“” for a peak and hold reading, or “” for a faster update less averaged reading.
When the desired update rate is displayed, press and hold the switch until “” is displayed to
save changes.
Turn off key. Setup is complete.

Manual # 650301:B
Troubleshooting guide
Problem Possible cause Solution
Gauge will not light up. Orange wire does not have power. Connect to a location that has power, check fuses.
Black wire is not getting a good ground. Connect ground to a different location.
Gauge is damaged. Return gauge for repair. (see instructions)
Gauge reading is erratic or Gauge signal wire is loose or broken. Check all wire connections and inspect wire for breaks.
jumps around. Poor ground connection. Check ground connection on gauge, engine, and sensor.
Gauge reading is incorrect. Incorrect PSIA selected. Check setup for ABS value.
Sensor is damaged . Verify wiring or replace sensor.
Gauge will not dim. Blue wire (2-pin harness) is not connected Check wiring connections. Blue wire should have 12 volts
correctly. when tachometer is dim or dimming switch is on.
Gauge remains dim at all Blue wire (2-wire harness) is getting power all Check wiring connections. Blue wire should have 0 volts
times. all of the time. when tachometer is bright or dimming switch is off.
Gauge will not enter setup. Green wire (2-wire harness) is not connected Check wiring connections. Green wire should have 12 volts
correctly. when the switch is pressed.
SERVICE AND REPAIR
DAKOTA DIGITAL offers complete service and repair of its product line. In addition, technical consultation is available to help you work through any
questions or problems you may be having installing one of our products. Please read through the Troubleshooting Guide. There, you will find the solution to most
problems.
Should you ever need to send the unit back for repairs, please call our technical support line, [phone], to request a Return Merchandise
Authorization number. Package the product in a good quality box along with plenty of packing material. Ship the product by UPS or insured Parcel Post. Be sure
to include the RMA number on the package, and include a complete description of the problem with RMA number, your full name and address (street address
preferred), and a telephone number where you can be reached during the day. Any returns for warranty work must include a copy of the dated sales receipt from
your place of purchase. Send no money. We will bill you after repair.
Dakota Digital 24 Month Warranty
DAKOTA DIGITAL warrants to the ORIGINAL PURCHASER of this product that should it, under normal use and condition, be proven defective in
material or workmanship within 24 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF PURCHASE, such defect(s) will be repaired or replaced at Dakota Digital’s option.
This warranty does not cover nor extend to damage to the vehicle’s systems, and does not cover removal or reinstallation of the product. This Warranty
does not apply to any product or part thereof which in the opinion of the Company has been damaged through alteration, improper installation, mishandling, misuse,
neglect, or accident.
This Warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties or liabilities. Any implied warranties, including any implied warranty of merchantability, shall be
limited to the duration of this written warranty. Any action for breach of any warranty hereunder, including any implied warranty of merchantability, must be brought
within a period of 24 months from date of original purchase. No person or representative is authorized to assume, for Dakota Digital, any liability other than
expressed herein in connection with the sale of this product.
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov