1986 Toyota Corolla gauge cluster

TTOWNRICAN

MEMBER
1986 TOYOTA COROLLA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
167,000 MILES

Half of my gauge cluster does not work my water temp, oil pressure, gas gauge, rpms and brake light do not work. I had an electrical probelm form a battery someone put in wrong along with those problems my blower motor for the ac and heat stoped working. Any ideas on how to fix these problems

5 Replies

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

So from the sound of it, someone has cross polarized the battery, correct? If so, the first thing to check are the fuses and relays. There are several of these under the hood as well as in the cab. If all fuses/relays are checked good, next thing is to check the wiring with a meter and look for any shorts/open circuits. Also pay attention for any loose or bare wires as well.

Hope this helps.
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Thursday, January 1st, 2009 AT 9:06 PM

TTOWNRICAN

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6 POSTS

All the fuses work and relays and I didnt see any bare wires the car runs its just the half the gauges wont work for nothing

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Thursday, January 1st, 2009 AT 9:13 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

There could be a burnt solder spot on the board behind cluster. You may have to pull the cluster out and take a close look at the board. While it is out you can inspect the wiring with a meter to ensure there are no shorts. Cross polarizing the battery usually causes a lot of shorts in the elec. System.

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Thursday, January 1st, 2009 AT 9:15 PM

TTOWNRICAN

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6 POSTS

Thank you for your help any idea where I can find a diagram on how to pu the gauge cluster out?

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Thursday, January 1st, 2009 AT 9:20 PM

BLUELIGHTNIN6

MECHANIC
16,542 POSTS

REMOVAL/INSTALLATION:
Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the steering column covers.

NOTE: Removing the steering wheel is not required, but may make the job easier.
Be careful not to damage the collapsible steering column mechanism

Remove the cluster finish panel.
Remove the combination meter attaching screws and pull the unit forward.
Disconnect the speedometer and any other electrical connections that are necessary.
Remove the instruments from the combination meter as required.
Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure.