In this blog post, we go over some questions about iDCCD, DCCD Display, and STi gauge clusters, including the basics of how to install a gauge cluster from an STi into your 2008-2021 WRX. Due to CANbus differences, this blog does not apply to 2022+ WRX models.
Cliff Notes
- An STI cluster can be installed in a 2008–2021 WRX, but it is not plug-and-play.
- The immobilizer system must be addressed or the vehicle will not start.
- Once installed and matched correctly, iDCCD can use the factory STI DCCD display.
- 2008–2014 WRX: Additional low-speed CAN wiring must be run to iDCCD CAN Port 2.
- 2015–2021 WRX: The STI cluster is already on high-speed CAN, so the CAN setup is simpler.
- Warning lights, mileage, and year compatibility may still need to be addressed.
Key Terms
CAN Bus – The communication network Subaru modules use to share information with each other.
- High-Speed CAN – The faster side of the CAN Bus used by many of the vehicle's main modules.
- Low-Speed CAN – A slower side of the CAN Bus used by certain modules, including the 2008–2014 STI cluster.
iDCCD – iWire's DCCD controller for Subaru STI 6-speed transmission swaps.
CAN Port 2 – The second CAN connection on iDCCD. On a 2008–2014 WRX with an STI cluster, this is used to connect iDCCD to the cluster's low-speed CAN network.
Immobilizer – Subaru’s anti-theft system. The cluster is part of this system, so installing a different cluster will prevent the vehicle from starting until the immobilizer system is properly addressed.
DCCD Display – The factory display in an STI cluster that shows center differential operation.
Putting an STI Gauge Cluster in a WRX
Installing an STI gauge cluster in a WRX is a great way to make an STI 6-speed swap feel more complete.
The cluster itself will physically fit, but the electronics are where things get more complicated. On 2008+ Subarus, the gauge cluster is tied into several vehicle systems, including the immobilizer. That means you cannot simply plug in an STI cluster and expect the car to start.
Before the swap is complete, the immobilizer system must be properly matched or programmed so the vehicle recognizes the new cluster. Until that is done, the car may crank but will not start.
Once the cluster and immobilizer system are properly sorted out, iDCCD can communicate with the STI cluster and use the factory DCCD display.
The Immobilizer Is the First Thing to Plan For
The immobilizer is one of the most important parts of this swap. On these cars, the gauge cluster is part of Subaru's anti-theft system. The vehicle expects the cluster, keys, and other immobilizer-related modules to match as a unique set. If they do not match, the vehicle will not start.
So before worrying about DCCD display functionality, warning lights, or CAN wiring, make sure you have a plan for the immobilizer system. Depending on the year and parts being used, this may involve programming or matching the cluster to the rest of the vehicle.
We have not performed this conversion ourselves, so we cannot give a specific programming procedure, but the solutions we have seen generally involve having the STI cluster programmed or cloned with the immobilizer information from the original WRX cluster. Some people also handle this through Subaru electronics or cluster-programming specialists. Facebook and Subaru Forums will be a great place to look for answers to this issue.
This is also why we do not consider an STI cluster swap a simple plug-in modification.
What About Warning Lights?
An STI cluster may look for systems or modules that your WRX does not have. When it does not see them, it may turn on warning lights even though nothing is actually wrong with the car. These warning lights are an issue to consider depending on your project goals and getting the car through emissions.
2008–2014 WRX
The 2008–2014 cars require a little more work because the STI cluster communicates on Subaru's lower-speed CAN network.
iDCCD normally connects to the vehicle's high-speed CAN network, so an additional CAN connection needs to be run from the cluster to CAN Port 2 on iDCCD. If you are looking to add this, please contact us.
In simple terms:
High-Speed CAN → iDCCD
Low-Speed CAN / STI Cluster → iDCCD CAN Port 2
This allows iDCCD to communicate with both the vehicle and the STI cluster.
Other things that may need to be addressed include:
- Immobilizer programming
- Warning lights
- Year-to-year cluster compatibility
- Mileage/odometer considerations
Again, if the immobilizer portion is not handled, the vehicle will not start.
2015–2021 WRX
The 2015–2021 cars are a little easier from a CAN communication standpoint. The STI cluster is already on the high-speed CAN network, so the extra low-speed CAN wiring used on the 2008–2014 cars is not needed. However, the immobilizer is still a major part of the swap. The STI cluster still needs to be properly matched to the vehicle before the car will start normally.
There can also be warning-light, mileage, and compatibility issues to work through.
What Does iDCCD Add?
Once the STI cluster is installed, the immobilizer is handled, and everything is communicating correctly, iDCCD can use the factory STI DCCD display.
That means you can have:
- STI 6-speed transmission
- STI gauge cluster
- Factory-style DCCD display
- Factory-style DCCD switches
- iDCCD control
- iWire App configuration
This creates a much more OEM-style setup than adding a separate aftermarket DCCD display.
Is It Worth It?
You do not need an STI cluster to use iDCCD. But if you are building an STI 6-speed-swapped WRX and want everything to look and operate as close to factory as possible, the STI cluster is a nice finishing touch.
Just remember the order of importance:
First: Address the immobilizer so the vehicle can start.
Second: Make sure the cluster is compatible and communicating correctly.
Third: Connect iDCCD to the proper CAN network so it can use the STI DCCD display.
For a 2008–2014 WRX, that means adding the low-speed CAN connection to iDCCD CAN Port 2.
For a 2015–2021 WRX, the cluster is already on high-speed CAN, making that part of the setup simpler.
Once everything is sorted out, iDCCD can use the factory STI DCCD display, with more cluster integration planned over time.
iDCCD is now available for:
1998-2001 Impreza iDCCD Controller - https://iwireusa.com/
2002-2007 WRX iDCCD Controller - https://iwireusa.com/
2004-2008 Forester Turbo iDCCD Controller - https://iwireusa.com/
2008-2014 WRX iDCCD Controller - https://iwireusa.com/
2008-2021 STi iDCCD Controller - https://iwireusa.com/
2015-2021 WRX iDCCD Controller - https://iwireusa.com/
2022+ WRX iDCCD Controller - https://iwireusa.com/
SEE ALL OF OUR IDCCD CAR FITMENTS HERE - https://iwireusa.com/
IDCCD INSTALL VIDEOS - See how simple it is to plug in our controller and be back on the road!
1998-2001 Impreza iDCCD Install - https://youtu.be/7DOsVOk82Yw?
2002-2007 WRX iDCCD Install - https://youtu.be/dlTdZSElJ4M?
2008-2014 WRX and 2008-2014 STi iDCCD Install - https://youtu.be/a8z5YOutJlY?
2015-2021 WRX and STi iDCCD Install - https://youtu.be/-E6Zv-NP8-Q?
2022+ WRX iDCCD Install - https://youtu.be/uJjhr1PsiD0
