Dakota Digital VHX Installation And Operation Manual
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Dakota Digital VHX Installation And Operation Manual

Analog / digital gauge system
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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 instructions and setup information.
MAN 650314C
1

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  • Page 1 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 instructions and setup information.
  • Page 2 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.
  • Page 3 TYPICAL VHX DISPLAY LAYOUTS Speed/LCD1 Message Center Tach/LCD2 Message Center Speed/LCD1 Message Center Tach/LCD2 Message Center Speed/LCD1 Message Center Tach/LCD2 Message Center Speed/LCD1 Message Center Tach/LCD2 Message Center MAN 650314C...
  • Page 4 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.
  • Page 5 ECU/ECM check engine HIGH BEAM output WIRE DISPLAY PANEL Connect to tail light circuit, LED backlights will turn on when termianl has +12V DAKOTA DIGITAL LEFT TURN transfer case GSS UNIT RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WIRE Tail Light switch SIGNAL WIRE...
  • Page 6 TERMINAL DESCRIPTIONS FUEL LEVEL SENSOR GROUND OUTPUT FUEL - FUEL LEVEL SENSOR INPUT FUEL SND FUEL LEVEL SENSOR POWER OUTPUT FUEL + TO DISPLAY CONNECTOR OIL PRESSURE SENSORGROUND OUTPUT OIL - (Doesn't matter which one) OIL PRESSURE SENSOR INPUT OIL SND OIL PRESSURE SENSORPOWER OUTPUT OIL + WATER TEMPERATURE SENSOR GROUND OUTPUT...
  • Page 7 “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.
  • Page 8 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 -.
  • Page 9 ADJ SND. *This terminal should not be used for grounding other sensors or devices or damage to the control box will occur. If not using a Dakota Digital DIM-1, this terminal should be left open.
  • Page 10 This is the ground reference used for two-wire water temp sensors. This will connect to one of the wires from the Dakota Digital SEN-04-5. The other wire will connect to the WTR SND terminal, and it doesn’t matter which wire goes into either location.
  • Page 11 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.
  • Page 12 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, 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.
  • Page 13 This connector should be left open, unless using a Dakota Digital product designed for it. Operation is discussed with BIM units purchased separately from Dakota Digital.
  • Page 14 SETTING UP THE CONTROL BOX Below is the list of setup menus. You must have SW1 wired to enter setup, SW2 will be used in some menus as well; descriptions of each menu are below. Pay close attention to Setup menus and options as incorrect settings will cause faulty readings on the displays. Main Menu Sub Menu Description____________________...
  • Page 15 You can also read the speed signal with the use of a bus interface module (BIM). Dakota Digital offers a BIM that will allow you to read the speed signal from an ECU if you are installing the system in a vehicle equipped with the OBDII port or a drivetrain from a newer vehicle;...
  • Page 16 Auto Cal (AUTO) This menu is used to calibrate the speed signal by driving a measured mile. Start this procedure with the vehicle stopped at the beginning of a known measured mile. Shut the car off, press and hold SW1 and turn the key on and start the car then release the switch to get into setup once the car is running.
  • Page 17 You can also read the tach signal with the use of a future bus interface module (BIM). Dakota Digital offers a BIM that will allow you to read the tachometer signal from an ECU if you are installing the system in a vehicle equipped with the OBDII port or a drivetrain from a newer vehicle, most 1996 and newer vehicles have this.
  • Page 18 Press and hold SW1 while turning the key on. Release the switch. Press and release SW1 to get to the “TACH” setup menu. Press and hold the switch until “TACH ENGINE” is displayed to enter the tach setup menus, then release SW1. Now you can press and release the switch to scroll through the tach sub-menus, “ENGINE”...
  • Page 19 Temp sensor setup (SENDER) This menu is used to set the temp sensor type. Dakota Digital only offers one temp sensor for this system, it is SEN-04-5, 100-300 F(40-150 C), 1/8” NPT threads. You can use bushings to adapt the sensor to various locations.
  • Page 20 *NOTE: Selecting Celsius units will only change the reading on the LCD message centers since the VHX needle sweeps are set for Imperial units. You will also need to enable the message in order to display it. When “sender” is displayed, press and hold SW1 until the message changes Release SW1 and the current sensor selection will be displayed Press and release SW1 to scroll through the sensor options “DD F”...
  • Page 21 OIL PRESSURE SETUP Dakota Digital only offers one pressure sensor for this system, SEN-03-8, 0-100 psi solid state sensor with 1/8” NPT threads. The oil pressure setup allows you set up a low pressure warning point that will cause the message display to flash the oil pressure reading whenever the value is lower than the warning set point.
  • Page 22 FUEL SETUP The control box can read seven common fuel level sender resistance values. If your sender is not shown in the table below, the system can be programmed to read a custom sender. The table below shows the seven pre-programmed senders and their respective empty and full resistance values.
  • Page 23 You can even enable the back lights during the day if you wish so that the tic marks and needles are always lit. If you are using the separately purchased DIM-1 kit from Dakota Digital, the dim brightness level doesn’t matter; when the DIM terminal has power applied to it, you have total control of the night brightness level with the twist of a knob.
  • Page 24 More detailed instructions are supplied with the BIM units. DISPLAY SETUP MENU The VHX system allows for complete user adjustability, this includes allowing you to decide which reading you would like to display in the LCD message centers and which one you want it to display in.
  • Page 25 Secondary indicator setup (indicators) This menu will allow you to select where the indicators are displayed and if you want them shown in the face of of the system, light only, or if you would like them also displayed in the LCD1 message center as well as the face so they are more visible in two locations.
  • Page 26 INFORMATION MENU The information menu, “ “ “ “ INFO” is used to display software code information should you have any troubles; this information can be useful for troubleshooting as well verifying the current speedometer calibration value if using the normal speed input (SPD SND). To view version of software your instrument system has, press and hold SW 1 while turning the key on.
  • Page 27 All of the VHX systems have the obvious gauge sweeps, but the biggest difference between the VHX series and other analog style gauges are the information or message displays. Each VHX system has two message displays, although some systems may have one large display.
  • Page 28 By default the available messages for each message display are: Speed/LCD1 message displays DESCRIPTION Odometer mileage (0-999,999) ODOMETER Trip A odometer mileage (0-9999.9) A MILES B MILES Trip B odometer mileage (0-9999.9) Alternate speed unit conversion KM/H GEAR (with optional GSS-2000) Gear shift position indicator SERVIC (when enabled) Miles since last service (0-9,999, or ---- when past due)

  • Page 29: Troubleshooting Guide

    Do not use a battery charger to power the system. The control box may have Contact Dakota Digital’s service an internal problem department with a description of the problem. System does not turn on...
  • Page 30 Symptom Possible Problem Solution ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The tachometer reading The tachometer signal wire is Check the connections at both is incorrect. loose or broken. ends of the wire. The engine cylinder setting is Refer to the tach setup section incorrect. of the installation manual. The speedometer will The speed sending unit is not Check that all speed sending...
  • Page 31 Symptom Possible Problem Solution ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The fuel guage reads The control box may be set for Refer to “Fuel Setup” backwards, incorrectly, the wrong type of fuel sender. section of the installation manual or does not change. to ensure that the settings match your fuel sender.
  • Page 32 12v even when key is off. Display is too dark or light. Contrast need to be adjusted. See manual for contrast adjusting instructions. VHX Series Specifications SUPPLY Voltage Range(BAT) 8 to 22 V Ignition > 8 V...
  • Page 33 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. 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.
  • Page 34 MAN 650314C...

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