Gauge calibration

Tiny
GERALDWAYNE KINTZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 PONTIAC AZTEK
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 151,000 MILES
I had to remove the dashboard in my vehicle to replace the heater core. I took the instrument cluster out I wanted to see about changing the light bulbs they were soldered in. The gas gauge has not been reading right. You have to remove the indicators to expose the face of the the board. I lost it in the settings there is a gauges I thought had the motors in a zero position, but it obviously was not when I installed it and turned the car on. The tachometer did not work at all the speedometer bottomed out below 0 mph. The temperature seemed close. What do I do?
Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 7:01 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
You should be able to simply move the needles where you need them and with some trial and error you will get it close. Honestly, the best thing that you can do is get a used cluster from Ebay -or- the local junkyard. I have found them for $25.00 before in great condition.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
GERALDWAYNE KINTZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The instrument panel gauges were working. There has got to be a way to calibrate the ones I have.
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Monday, November 5th, 2018 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
It sounds like you have a bad connection at the cluster and one of the grounds is missing. Here is a guide and the cluster wiring diagrams so you can see how it works and which wires to test for ground connections:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Test the fuses IPMDL and ign0 in the center console fuse panel.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, November 8th, 2018 AT 12:35 PM

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