If I disconnect the battery will I lose all my settings?

No, our instrument systems have built in flash memory, calibration settings will be retained. The clock, however, will be reset with each loss of constant power.

Can I put my gauge cluster into DEMO mode, for display at an event, or testing purposes?
 

Yes.
• On VFD and VHX System with the key turned off, press and hold Switch #2. While holding Switch #2, turn the key ON this. To go back to normal operation, simply turn the key off.
• For HDX and RTX Series, the DEMO Mode can be accessed directly through the setup menu or via the Dakota Digital Automotive app (for iOS and Android).

Can I mount my control box in the engine compartment?

The control box needs to be mounted inside the cabin of the vehicle, out of the elements. Additionally, it should be mounted away from the ignition coil or ignition module to avoid potential interference from the high voltage output they produce.

How can I change the brightness of the gauge cluster at night?

All Dakota Digital instrument systems allow for programmable lighting intensity through the setup menu. With full digital systems (VFD3), the lighting will remain at full intensity during daylight hours and is programmable at night (when the headlights are activated). With analog systems (VHX, HDX and RTX), the backlighting brightness can be configured for both day and night operation. The DIM-1 provides rotary control of any backlight intensity, when the headlights are activated. This video provides an in-depth look at the backlight brightness options:

The HDX and RTX Series can be easily configured for wireless control. Download the Dakota Digital App on your Apple or Android tablet, then take a look at this how-to video:

May I shorten the wires from my speed sensor harness?

Yes, wire length will not affect the speedometer readings. Soldering and heat shrinking the extension harness is the recommend, if lengthening is required. When routing this harness, take care to isolate this from ignition components or anything which induce electrical noise.

How do I calibrate the speedometer (AUTO CAL)?

If performing a SPEED CAL (AUTO CAL) within a VFD3, VHX or RTX System, the Switch #1 must be pressed while starting the engine, allowing entrance into the setup menu. Once the engine is running the, Switch #1 may be released, navigating to the AUTO CAL selection.

With HDX Systems, press and hold Switch #1 and #2 at the same time to enter the setup menu.

I have a 2 wire VSS sensor where do I hook up the wires on my control box?

Connect one wire to “SPD –“, the other one to “SPD SND”, it does not matter which wire enters which location.

Can I use just a single wire out of my ECU/ECM or TCU Speed Output for my speed signal?

Yes, just connect your wire up to the “SPD SND” terminal on the control module.

I have a 2 wire pulse generator for my speed signal, where do I hook the wires to my control box?

Connect the Black wire to “SPD –“and the White wire to “SPD SND” on the control module.

Is my Speedometer GPS?

All Dakota Digital speedometers are GPS-Ready, meaning they are prepared for connection with a GPS speed sensor, such as our GPS-50-2, allowing any speedometer to utilize GPS technology. Furthermore, Dakota Digital full instrument systems manufactured since 2011 provide even more functionality with the GPS-50-2, displaying the compass heading, elevation and keeping a clock synced with the satellite data.

Where do I get a tach signal for my gauges I just installed in my Diesel engine vehicle?

For a Diesel application, you will generally need to purchase a Dakota Digital SGI-100BT, which can be done right from dakotadigital.com. For OBD II applications, our BIM-01-2 is another which may expedite the installation and provide some further benefits in your scenario.

I have a HEI Distributor, can I get my Tach signal off of it for my control box?
 

Yes, run a single wire from Tach Terminal on the HEI Distributor to the “TACH” input on your control module. Add a second wire from the “BAT” terminal on the HEI Distributor to a key on switched 12V supply.

I have an MSD Ready to Run distributor, can the tachometer connect to this?

Find the gray wire on your distributor and simply run that directly to the “TACH” input on your control module.

I have a MSD 6A/ 6AL ignition module in my car does it have a tach signal I can hook to my control box?

Yes, on one end of the MSD ignition module will be an output marked “TACH OUTPUT”.  Route a wire from there to the “TACH” input on your control box.  With MSD digital modules, the MSD 8920 Adaptor may be required.

Do I need to run a dedicated ground to the control box or gauge from my fuel sender?

Not always.  As long as the sender is properly grounded at the tank, a dedicated ground is not required. If you have troubles with the gauge reading 999 ohms in (SETUP/FUEL/TEST), run a twisted pair from “FUEL SND” and “FUEL –" terminal of the control module.. If you have terminals labeled “S” & “I” on your sender, disconnect the wire from “I” terminal, select 63VET in the fuel sensor selection, within the setup menu.

How do I know what fuel sender I have in my vehicle?

The chart below gives a list of the most common senders and will cover most all vehicle applications. The FUEL TEST mode found in most Dakota Digital instrument systems can also help to narrow this down. For more information, view the video ”Fuel Sensor Setup”.

Is it OK to lengthen the wires for the Oil Pressure and Water Temperature?

Yes, wire length will not affect the Oil Pressure or Water Temperature readings. Soldering and heat shrinking the extension harness is the recommend, if lengthening is required. When routing this harness, take care to isolate this from ignition components or anything which induce electrical noise.

Can I replace the stock senders for water and oil in my LS motor with yours?

Generally not. Most computers will need to see the signal from the stock senders. You can install our senders along with the stock senders, or consider our BIM-01-2 to get SPEED, TACH, ENGINE TEMP, OIL PSI (3-wire sender required) and other information from the OBD II diagnostic port.

Can I use my stock Oil Pressure and Water Temp sender, or “T” into these wires to share with the computer?

It is recommended to use the supplied Dakota Digital sensors. This ensures correct readings and reduces the risk of component damage.

My display is giving me error codes of “EE”, “--“and “85” what do they mean?

Diagnostic codes are built within all Dakota Digital instrument systems, assisting in the troubleshooting process.

Water Sender (resistive based)
EE = open circuit
-- = shorted sender or signal wire is shorted to ground

Oil (voltage based)
-- = open circuit (no power or signal wire is open)
85 = ground wire is disconnected or open

Fuel (resistive based)
EE = open circuit or wrong sender selected
-- = shorted sender or signal wire shorted to ground

Do I need to bleed my cooling system in my car after installing my Temp Sender?

In order to get the most accurate temp readings it is recommended to bleed your system of any air. This will ensure that your sender is in constant contact with the water in your cooling system. To bleed your system, remove the radiator cap and squeeze the radiator hose to release the air.  Top off your coolant and repeat as needed. If you have braided hoses that can’t be squeezed, remove the radiator cap, place a funnel in the radiator and fill with coolant and the run the engine. This will release any trapped air and replace it with coolant.

I have PAC-2750/2800BT, can I hook up and control more than one fan or a dual speed fan?

Yes, the PAC-2750 & PAC-2800BT can control a single fan, dual speed fan or two separate fans.  Below is a diagram which indicates how these connections will be made.

Can I mount my fan controller in the engine compartment?

The fan controller needs to be mounted inside the cabin of the vehicle, out of the elements.  Additionally, it should be mounted away from the ignition coil or ignition module to avoid potential interference from the high voltage output they produce.

My CRS-2000 or CRS-3000 Cruise Control will not engage, I have LED taillights and your Cruise Control, do I need an extra relay?

Yes, you will need to add a relay with pin 87A tied to ground. When the brake is depressed, it will activate the relay and remove the ground connection and disengage the cruise control. Our RLY-1 is a simple solution.

How will I configure the setup switches on my new CRS-2000 or CRS-3000 Cruise Control kit?

The Cruise control requires some post-installation setup and configuration, allowing it to perform well in each scenario.  This video guides you through the full installation process:

Can I setup my VCM cruise control with my smart phone or tablet?

Yes, install the Dakota Digital app for Apple or Android and you can complete the full setup process using the step-by-step setup wizard.

Will the VCM cruise control work with my EFI system?

Yes, the VCM will connect directly with a number of the most popular EFI systems which are already preprogramed for you.

I have LED taillights do I need to add an additional relay with my VCM cruise control?

No, the VCM has a built-in selectable load which eliminates the need for an extra relay making a much cleaner and easier installation for you.

Do I need to purchase a special cruise control handle to work with my VCM Cruise?

No, the VCM will work with most OEM handles or you can purchase a handle or dash mount control from Dakota Digital.

What PPM (piles per mile) speed signal do I need for my VCM cruise?

The VCM is very universal and has the ability to learn any signal from 1,500 to 128,500 PPM.

What is the minimum set speed for my VCM cruise?

The cruise will set at 30 mph

My VCM will not engage, how can I figure out what is wrong?

With the use of the Dakota Digital setup App on your smart device go to the diagnostics screen which will show you in RED if there are any missing signals or faults.