Adding switches and gauges to KW W900

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by lester, Apr 10, 2023.

  1. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    I'm looking at a 2012 W900 and I would like to add a few switches, pto and a few other spare switches. Can you add switches to this dash and have them look good? On a pete I just cut the dash panel and put in a switch. On this dash that doesn't look possible.
    Also I'd like to add a gauge or 2. Fuel pressure and temp. Obviously there isn't room for more. It does have a few digital gauges but in the 3 minutes I spent playing with it I couldn't figure out if you could change what gauges show up on the digital display. Screenshot_20230410_071038_Facebook.jpg
     
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  3. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Easiest way to add another bank of switches on that dash looks to be delete or move the radio up high, then make a panel that fits that slot.
     
  4. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Not gonna move the radio but yes I think I will end up making a panel to put somewhere else. Need to add a bunch
     
  5. Idaho MTN Driver

    Idaho MTN Driver Bobtail Member

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    I have an '07 T800 with the exact same dash. I just added an OEM-style PTO switch to my truck, but my truck had a couple blank switches. I just popped the blank out and popped the new switch in. There was an extra plug behind the dash to make the light work on the switch, and then just had to plug in air lines. Very easy.

    Are there any spare switches/blanks on the left side of the dash (opposite side of the steering wheel) that look exactly like the switches in the picture on the right side in your picture? Mine has switches on both sides, and it had blanks on both sides. Or, are any of the current switches you wouldn't use and you could pop them out and replace with a switch you needed? I would do this first before cutting up the dash.

    Also, definitely shop around for switches. I bought my OEM PTO switch from a KW dealer on eBay for $140. My local dealer wanted $200. And there are knock-offs that look like OEM for $40 on eBay. Junkyards, of course, might also have some. I bought a few for my truck for $25 a piece from the local junkyard.
     
  6. Idaho MTN Driver

    Idaho MTN Driver Bobtail Member

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    I just went and looked at my truck. I have 14 switches on the right-hand side (like in your picture) and six switches on the left side. I think most switches on the left side on my truck are blanks.

    And if you do add a switch and haven't taken that style dash apart, just use a flat-heat screwdriver to take that fake wood trim piece off (slowly work your way around popping it out on the outside edge). The rest will be self-explanatory.

    And I'm not sure about this, but a thought if you want to add gauges. If that screen next to the gauges is GPS, maybe lose that and find a panel at a junkyard (or dealership) that has the correct number of holes for your gauges and just replace the whole panel.
     
    lester Thanks this.
  7. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Thanks guys. But unfortunately I was to slow. I planned to go buy the truck in the morning and it sold this afternoon at 4:45. Dang it
     
    Isafarmboy and Oxbow Thank this.
  8. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    On my Pete I have 18 switches I added! Not including pto and diff lock and 3 factory spare switches. 20230410_205942.jpg dang dash is filthy
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
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