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Gauge problem

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Old Apr 25, 2015 | 09:12 PM
  #1  
KR81's Avatar
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From: Sydney, Australia
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Gauge problem

Hi guys,
Recently I took my cluster out to replace the bulbs and while I had it out I applied the inside of the cluster with reflective insulation tape to help bounce the light around from the led's, Which worked extremely well, however now my temperature and oil pressure gauges aren't working properly and there seems to be a lag in the speedo needle too. Anyone experienced this before and can help out ?
Thanks, Chris.
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Old Apr 25, 2015 | 09:42 PM
  #2  
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Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Gauge problem




Here's a pic of how they look, I'm really keen to get it all working again so I can enjoy!
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Old Apr 26, 2015 | 12:03 PM
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Car: 85 SC, 86 Berlinetta
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Transmission: 700r4, 700r4
Re: Gauge problem

It's hard to say without seeing what was done. If the tape is conductive then you may want to double check that the gauges aren't being grounded out. In some clusters the connections are through the legs of the gauge. Multiple symptoms often indicate a ground issue.
If the flex circuit board is brittle or de-laminated then simply moving it around could cause an open and/or short.
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Old Apr 26, 2015 | 01:36 PM
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Re: Gauge problem

Originally Posted by Scorpner
It's hard to say without seeing what was done. If the tape is conductive then you may want to double check that the gauges aren't being grounded out. In some clusters the connections are through the legs of the gauge. Multiple symptoms often indicate a ground issue.
If the flex circuit board is brittle or de-laminated then simply moving it around could cause an open and/or short.
I agree. My bet is its the cluster circuit. If they get bent or flexed, the wire inside will crack and cause a short. Especially the fuel wire. That's the part that does bend when installing the cluster back into the dash. Good luck man

-Dan
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Old Apr 28, 2015 | 06:19 AM
  #5  
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From: Sydney, Australia
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Gauge problem

Thanks guys, I'll post some results once I've worked it out.
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Old May 16, 2015 | 11:16 PM
  #6  
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From: Sydney, Australia
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TPI
Re: Gauge problem

Just to put an end to this, I concluded that the gauges were faulty, I made sure the tape want shorting anything and installed a replacement gauge and all is working fine again. Thanks for all advice.
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