Swapped gauge cluster, now temp gauge doesn't work.

[rangerbum]

I have searched the last couple days and haven't found the solution, but As the title states, I just swapped my cluster(from tachless to a tach equipped cluster) and the temp gauge doesn't work with the new one in.

I personally pulled the new one from the jy, it was the same year truck, with identical options other than cab size. Same motor, no ac, 2wd, 3.73 rear.

When I turn the key, it makes the initial move off the bottom Peg as it should, but as the truck runs it goes no further. All other gauges work perfectly.

Does anyone have any ideas where to start? I'm sure this can't be the first time.

 

[Snoranger]

Maybe the gauge is bad... Pull the cluster and swap the temp gauge from your old cluster into the new one.

 

[Mazda]

If I remember right. I haven't changed out a cluster in about 5 years the back of the cluster is a plastic board with the electrical traces on it. I would remove the cluster and take a eraser and clean all the traces at the connectors. You might have a bad connection there, also check for burnt traces to and from the temp gauge. Also I would just go ahead and replace all the bulbs in the cluster so you wont have to remove it again soon when a light blows..

Bryan

 

[rangerbum]

Thanks, I'll pull it again and have a look for bad connections. Just to confirm, you do mean just a regular eraser right? pink pearl should do fine? I did replace all the bulbs while I was at it. I put all new bulbs in about a year ago into the non-tach cluster, so I just used those in the new one.

 

[Mazda]

Ya just a regular eraser. I use a white one. But a pink will work to. Also do you disconnect the negative battery cable before you connected the new cluster. You could have shorted out the guage or the sender.

 

[Snoranger]

Ya just a regular eraser. I use a white one. But a pink will work to. Also do you disconnect the negative battery cable before you connected the new cluster. You could have shorted out the guage or the sender.

While I do agree that you should always disconnect the battery while working on the electrical system.... Can you please explain how you would be able to short something out that has no power when the key is off.