Gauge cluster problems

[FreedS4]

How do you access the nuts behind the temp and tach gauges? Do you have to remove the cluster or just the lower dash cover?

Thx-

You've got to take the cluster out. You'll see them when you get it out.

[SnPaC]

Also, make sure all of the screws/nuts are tight. I went back and made sure all of them were tight and it "fixed" the temp, tach, and fuel gauges. The nuts on the temp and fuel gauges like to back themselves out.

c.freed

How do you access the nuts behind the temp and tach gauges? Do you have to remove the cluster or just the lower dash cover?

Thx-

[archemedes]

car will run with no gauges, they won't cause drivability issues, but can hint at where an issue is

[delatlanta1281]

Glad I found this, the e30tech writeup is really good.
Who here knows @ how long it actually takes to charge up dead batteries. Also it seems that my temp gauge is giving me driveability issues, It flicks around, and when it hits 3/4 the car runs super lean. I have replace all sensors, the AFM, and the ECU. Just wondering.

[chris328i]

1. drop lower under dash piece - 30 seconds

2. remove gauges bezel. 2 screws under top of dash - 1 min max

3. Use fingers and remove round nut things on back of lower trim piece- flat piece with ( shape cut out of it - 30 seconds

4. Cluster is exposed. Remove mounts on top 2 screws - 30 seconds

5. Bottom left and right of cluster, 2 looonnnggg screws. 1 min at most

6. Pull cluster out and dettach wires. 1 min

[chris328i]

where is a good write up on pulling the cluster?

takes 5 min. Pm me if you want to know. seriously 5min. gotta be quick at junkyards. :D

[Route36VT]

For anyone having this problem: here's a cluster writeup, in mind-numbing detail...

[Unearth078]

where is a good write up on pulling the cluster?

[FreedS4]

guess who opted for lock washers for the nuts on the back of the temp/fuel gauges? Me, me, and me. Very common issue I think.

+1 for relevant resurrection. ;o

Didn't even think about that...that would take care of the problems!

[clavinZERO]

guess who opted for lock washers for the nuts on the back of the temp/fuel gauges? Me, me, and me. Very common issue I think.

+1 for relevant resurrection. ;o

[FreedS4]

Dude, this thread is from 2006. The OP has probably sold his car by now.

And I bet that this thread had NEVER been looked at by someone who had the same issues. Ever heard of the SEARCH feature on forums? It's how most people get their questions answered. You're probably that guy that asks questions before searching. I was just trying to help the next guy, that had the same issues as the OP. Never thought I'd get a response like yours when all I was trying to do was help someone that may have had the same problems. Thanks for your comments dude, they were very helpful!

[Hallen]

Also, make sure all of the screws/nuts are tight. I went back and made sure all of them were tight and it "fixed" the temp, tach, and fuel gauges. The nuts on the temp and fuel gauges like to back themselves out.

c.freed

Dude, this thread is from 2006. The OP has probably sold his car by now.

[FreedS4]

Also, make sure all of the screws/nuts are tight. I went back and made sure all of them were tight and it "fixed" the temp, tach, and fuel gauges. The nuts on the temp and fuel gauges like to back themselves out.

c.freed

[ScottL]

I had the exact symptoms you have. I bought a used cluster for $40 and the problem was cured. I did that *after* soldering in new SI batteries, dicking around with wires, etc.

Swap clusters or, if you don't care about original look, install your own gauges. :)

--edit: oops i see u fixed it already - good job

[AlpineIS]

Awesome! It would be great I think if you could share any tips or how you went about changing the batteries for those that might need this information in the future.