Temp gauge-have to smack dash

[JGood]

I've replaced my cluster, the coolant gauge, re-soldered/cleaned connections on replacement cluster and gauge, checked wiring, replaced the dashboard, etc... over the past few years (for multiple reasons, not just to solve the gauge issue), and I'm still tapping on the dash to get the gauge working EVERY time I get in the car. It's habit. Anyone who rides in my car regularly knows to expect it. I gave up trying to fix it because it's second nature, it doesn't bother me anymore. I don't even realize I'm doing it half the time.

I'm thinking it has something to do with the actual gauge and needle mechanical parts, the needle is sticking or something. Especially since it's such a common problem on these cars. I have a few extra clusters laying around, maybe I'll take one apart and mess with it some day.

[klavender1]

I only have to smack mine for the tach when it's cold. Haha. So I guess I should feel lucky. The fuel gauge acts up when below half. It will fall way down, come back to half, then go back to normal. I'm used to it. It is funny when someone is in the car with you and gives you that look like you're crazy. :D

[dannyyisntt]

Oddly enough neither of my e30s do this, but my e36 does lol.

Though my 318i's fuel gauge is f*cked up.

[monkeyodeath]

Yeah, I tried resoldering the connections to no avail. But when I tried another temp gauge from a slightly more recent car, it worked fine. I think JGood's right, it's something to do with the needle getting stuck and the gauge not having that strength to move it unless you tap it.