Installation Instructions

NOTE: This installation guide is currently a work in progress. Steps, details, and procedures may be updated or refined as development continues, and reference images will be added soon. At this time, the instructions provided are verified only for Ford Focus ST and RS models. Installation steps for other Focus trims or variants may differ slightly and will be documented and added in a future update.

Tools needed:

  • Flat head screwdriver

  • Small pick (recommended)

  • T20 Torx, T25 Torx

  • Rotary tool with a cutting wheel (ie. Dremel)

  • Pen/marker (white or silver pen/marker recommended)

  • Flush cutters/snips

  • Plastic zipper bag for parts storage

Installation Safety Notice & Preface

Before beginning installation, disconnect the vehicle’s battery to prevent electrical damage, accidental short circuits, or personal injury.

Use only appropriate tools and follow standard automotive safety practices throughout the installation process. Take care to avoid pinched wiring, damaged connectors, or improper routing of harnesses.

Installation should be performed with caution and attention to detail. DigiCluster strongly recommends professional installation if you are not experienced with automotive electronics or rotary tools.

NOTE: These instructions are for left-hand drive vehicles. If this is being installed in a right-hand drive vehicle, some of these instructions should be mirrored.

Step 1: Stock Cluster (IPC) Removal

Move the steering wheel fully rearward (toward the driver) to provide clearance.

Grasp the plastic lower portion of the steering column cover and pull it rearward toward the steering wheel. The cover will release and can be lifted upward. Next, working from one side to the other, gently pull upward on the leather upper portion of the steering column cover to release the retaining clips. Once all clips are released, remove the cover and set it aside.

Using a T25 Torx driver, remove the two (2) screws securing the lower mounting tabs of the stock gauge cluster (IPC - Instrument Panel Cluster).

Firmly grasp both sides of the IPC and pull it straight toward you until it disengages from the dash. Reach behind the IPC and disconnect the electrical connector. This is a lever-lock connector with a hinged release: unlock the lever and rotate it fully to disengage and eject the connector. (Refer to the supplied wiring harness for a clear example of how this connector operates.)

Once disconnected, remove the stock cluster assembly from the dashboard.

Step 2: Stock Cluster (IPC) Disassembly

The main IPC circuit board (PCB) must be removed from the stock cluster assembly and retained behind the dashboard during installation. It is strongly recommended to perform this step on a clean, flat work surface to avoid losing small parts or hardware. Keep a zipper-style parts storage bag nearby for removed components and fasteners.

2.1 Separate the Cluster Housing

Carefully separate the front and rear clamshells of the stock cluster assembly by releasing the plastic retaining clips around the perimeter. A small flathead screwdriver may be used to gently assist with releasing the clips. Take care not to force or pry excessively.

Remove the internal assembly from the clamshells. Set the front and rear clamshells, clear lens, and gauge shroud aside.

2.2 Remove Needles, Display, and Subassemblies

Carefully pry the gauge needles straight off the stepper motor shafts and place them into the parts storage bag.

Using a T20 Torx driver, remove the four (4) screws securing the display to the white gauge plate. Place the screws in the parts storage bag.

Gently lift the display upward. Release the hinged lock on the FFC (flex ribbon) connector and disconnect the ribbon cable from the display.

Release the plastic retaining tabs securing the small display circuit board to the white gauge plate. Release and disconnect the second ribbon/flex cable beneath the display circuit board.

Flip the remaining assembly over and remove the four (4) gold grounding springs from the rear of the white gauge plate.

Add the following components to the parts storage bag:

  • Display

  • Display circuit board

  • Ribbon/flex cables

  • Gold grounding springs

2.3 Remove the Main IPC Circuit Board

Release the plastic tabs securing the main IPC circuit board to the white gauge plate and separate the board. If the second ribbon/flex cable is still attached to the main circuit board, release and disconnect it, then place it into the parts storage bag.

2.4 Remove Stepper Motor Shafts

The gauge needle shafts for the four (4) stepper motors must be removed next.

Flip the main IPC circuit board over. Using a small flathead screwdriver or pick, carefully release the plastic tabs securing each white stepper motor cover. Remove the cover and lift out the top stepper motor gear.

From the front side of the board, gently push the gauge needle shaft through the stepper motor to remove it.

Reinstall the top stepper motor gear, then reinstall the stepper motor cover. Repeat this process for all four (4) stepper motors.

Place all four (4) removed stepper motor shafts into the parts storage bag.

2.5 Final Handling

Set the main IPC circuit board aside. Keep all remaining IPC components together and store them in a safe location for reassembly or future use.

Step 3: Dashboard Modification

The interior of the dashboard opening must be modified to allow clearance for the four corners of the DigiCluster display. Use caution when performing these modifications and when operating rotary tools to minimize the risk of damage or personal injury.

3.1 Marking the Cut Areas

Locate the white trimming template included with the DigiCluster unit. Install the template into the dashboard opening in place of the stock cluster, using the original mounting holes and two (2) T25 Torx screws to firmly secure it in place.

Using a pen or marker (white or silver recommended), mark the four (4) designated trim areas inside the dashboard opening as indicated by the template.

Once all areas are marked, remove the template.

3.2 Trimming the Dashboard Opening

Using a rotary tool with a cutting wheel, carefully cut along the marked areas to create the required slots. Take care to make clean, straight cuts, and ensure there are no sharp or jagged edges remaining inside the slots.

After trimming, remove all plastic debris and dust from the dashboard opening using a vacuum before proceeding with test fitting or installation.

3.3 Test Fitting the DigiCluster Unit

Test fit the main DigiCluster display and housing assembly before final installation.

With the display facing upward:

  1. Slide the unit into the dashboard opening.

  2. Insert the top two corners of the display into the upper notches first.

  3. Rotate the unit downward to align the bottom corners with the lower notches.

  4. Push the unit downward until the holes in the lower mounting tabs align with the OEM cluster mounting holes.

The unit should slide into place smoothly with little to no resistance. Do not force the unit into position. If moderate resistance is felt, or if the mounting holes do not align without applying pressure, additional trimming is required.

It is recommended to trim the slots slightly wider than the minimum required to ensure there is no pressure applied to the display. Excessive pressure may result in display artifacts or uneven backlighting.

Once proper fitment is confirmed, remove the DigiCluster unit and set it aside.

Step 4: Wiring

4.1 Remove the ICM

Remove the ICM (Information Center Module)—the gauge pod located on top of the dashboard—by firmly pulling it straight upward until it releases.

If equipped, remove the Kaiser Engineering dash using the same method.

Disconnect the ICM electrical connector. If a center speaker is installed, disconnect the small speaker connector as well. Set the ICM assembly aside.

4.2 Route the DigiCluster Harness & Install the IPC Circuit Board

Take the DigiCluster wiring harness supplied with the unit. Route the white 14-pin connector into the internal space beneath the ICM mounting location and through the opening leading into the gauge cluster area. This is a tighter fit, but there is enough clearance to fit it at the right angle.

Connect the main IPC circuit board to the matching lever-lock connector on the DigiCluster harness.

Carefully slide the IPC circuit board into the space beneath the ICM mounting location. The board should seat snugly in the narrow channel on the far left side of this internal dash area. When properly positioned, the IPC circuit board should not protrude into the ICM mounting opening and should not interfere with ICM reinstallation.

If the IPC board does not slide fully into position, adjust the harness routing and gently tilt the board as needed until it seats correctly.

4.3 Connect the ICM Harness & Reinstall the ICM

Once the IPC circuit board is properly positioned, locate the intermediate ICM section of the DigiCluster wiring harness.

  • Connect the vehicle’s male ICM connector to the harness female connector.

  • Connect the harness male connector to the ICM (or Kaiser Engineering dash).

  • Reconnect the center speaker connector, if applicable.

Reinstall the ICM assembly by aligning it with the mounting opening and pressing it firmly downward until it fully seats and locks into place.

Step 5: Final Installation of Main Unit

Before final installation, ensure the gauge cluster opening, steering wheel, and steering column are clean and free of dirt or debris.

5.1 Install and Connect the DigiCluster Unit

Slide the main DigiCluster unit into the gauge cluster opening with the display facing upward. Connect the vehicle’s factory IPC lever-lock connector and the white 14-pin DigiCluster harness connector to the rear of the unit.

With the connectors installed:

  1. Insert the top corners of the display into the upper notches first.

  2. Rotate the unit downward to align the bottom corners with the lower notches.

  3. Push the unit downward until the holes in the lower mounting tabs align with the OEM cluster mounting holes.

There may be slightly more resistance during this step due to the wiring harness being in place. Ensure the DigiCluster harness has adequate slack near the connectors to prevent stress on wiring or pins, and verify that the harness is not pinched between the rear housing of the unit and the dashboard structure.

If properly positioned, the unit should still install with minimal resistance, and the bottom of the housing should sit flush against the base of the cluster opening with the mounting holes aligned.

5.2 Install the Front Fascia

Position the front fascia and start sliding it into place. First, firmly press the fascia tabs into the corresponding tabs on the main unit (this will be a snug fit) until the fascia’s tabs sit flush against the main unit’s tabs.

Next, evenly press the fascia into the dashboard until you hear and feel the metal spring tab at the top lock into place.

If excessive resistance is encountered, or if the spring tab flexes the fascia downward and creates a gap between the top edge of the fascia and the dash, the metal spring tab may be gently bent upward to reduce tension.

When properly installed:

  • The inside perimeter of the fascia should sit nearly flush with the display on all sides

  • All mounting tab holes should be perfectly aligned

Reinstall the two (2) T25 Torx screws into the lower mounting tabs.

5.3 Reinstall the Steering Column Cover

Locate the three (3) alignment tabs on the steering column cover that correspond to the slots on the front fascia.

Using flush cutters or snips:

  • Trim the center tab so it protrudes approximately 1–3 mm

  • Trim the left and right tabs so they protrude approximately 4–6 mm

Reinstall the steering column cover by sliding the plastic portion into place first, followed by snapping the leather portion back onto the steering column clamshell.

If excessive resistance is felt or the cover does not seat fully, further trim the alignment tabs as needed until proper fitment is achieved.

Optionally, the alignment tabs may be removed entirely, as they are not critical for positioning.

5.4 Final Power-Up

Once all components are installed, reconnect the vehicle’s battery. The DigiCluster unit should power on and begin booting immediately.

Step 6: Initial Setup

Turn the vehicle on. The DigiCluster Setup Wizard should appear automatically.

During the setup process, DigiCluster will scan the vehicle’s VIN and automatically configure the cluster theme and default options to match the detected vehicle trim. Follow the on-screen prompts to select your preferred unit system and complete any additional setup options.

Once the setup process is complete, DigiCluster will transition into the normal running state and display the active gauge screens. From here, you can further customize color themes, display options, gauge modes, and other settings as desired.

Need help or Found an Issue?

If you run into any issues related to installation, setup, or overall functionality, please contact us through our support portal at DigiCluster.org/contact. We’re happy to assist and provide additional guidance during the installation process.

If you encounter any potential software bugs, performance concerns, compatibility issues, or unexpected behavior, please let us know as soon as possible. During the initial release period, some features or compatibility—especially for international regions or non-ST/RS trims—may be limited as we continue to validate and expand support. We appreciate your patience and will be actively working to improve compatibility and resolve issues as quickly as possible through software updates.