SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)

How to Calibrate Guage Needles?

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Old 03-04-09, 08:08 PM
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O. L. T.
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Originally Posted by 1UZ-SC
so everyone has to do this after getting their cluster done by OLT?
Na, just certain clusters. It's only about 20% of all of them. I haven't figured out the formula for it yet as to why some clusters need adjusted. It's actually very easy to just lift the needle off and set it back on. Technique does play a part so it can either take one try or 5 tries. Depends on you. Anyone who would gripe about having to do it would be the same person that wouldn't read the only sticky in the forum we put up that blatantly states "read this sticky if you read nothing else". Otherwise you already know you have to do it. It's easy. It's really easy.... I had a girl that was 18 and didn't have her dad to help her ask me how and she wrote back "I did it!!!". LOL.... So yeah it can be done without headache. Technique is just dependent on you. Also, you are only at a 20% possibility of having to do it.

Last edited by O. L. T.; 03-04-09 at 08:12 PM.
Old 03-04-09, 08:14 PM
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ThomasGS4
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lol thanks. Good to know
Old 03-04-09, 08:18 PM
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VJZ
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Originally Posted by O. L. T.
Na, just certain clusters. It's only about 20% of all of them. I haven't figured out the formula for it yet as to why some clusters need adjusted. It's actually very easy to just lift the needle off and set it back on. Technique does play a part so it can either take one try or 5 tries. Depends on you. Anyone who would gripe about having to do it would be the same person that wouldn't read the only sticky in the forum we put up that blatantly states "read this sticky if you read nothing else". Otherwise you already know you have to do it. It's easy. It's really easy.... I had a girl that was 18 and didn't have her dad to help her ask me how and she wrote back "I did it!!!". LOL.... So yeah it can be done without headache. Technique is just dependent on you. Also, you are only at a 20% possibility of having to do it.

Agreed.

Simple task.

I have done it a few times testing cluster's I've received, got at junk yards, or from a few of the parts SC's I've had access to. Just to make sure they work.

A few of them didn't need it, but most did.

No big deal.

But if you ever get another cluster, make sure you know which car you have and which car your new cluster comes from.

Otherwise, you'll freak out like I did when my car revved over9000!!!

It was from a 400...and I have a 300.

I chuckled later about it...
Old 03-04-09, 08:26 PM
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sweet! im goin to dig in. Wich me luck!
Old 03-04-09, 08:27 PM
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You like my spanglish? LOL
Old 03-04-09, 10:01 PM
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shern
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So let me get this straight since I have a Speedo set at -10mph.

The needles can be lifted straight out (perpindicular to the guage cluster face) and reset to it's expected location?
Old 03-05-09, 05:44 AM
  #22  
UZZ30-SC4
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Originally Posted by shern
So let me get this straight since I have a Speedo set at -10mph.

The needles can be lifted straight out (perpindicular to the guage cluster face) and reset to it's expected location?
Yes, not exactly that simple though, you will see what i mean when you pull the needle off. It has to do with the power contacts.
Old 03-05-09, 08:42 AM
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Well mine came in and it's showing up a bit cold in the temp gauge instead of in the middle after 20 mins of driving. So let me get this right, to adjust the needle, leave the car running, pull out cluster (disconnect all connectors), open it up, adjust needle? Won't this set off the air bag light? I was so careful not to set it off by disconnecting the battery and not driving my car while the cluster was out.
Old 03-05-09, 08:58 AM
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Originally Posted by mr2tosc4
Well mine came in and it's showing up a bit cold in the temp gauge instead of in the middle after 20 mins of driving. So let me get this right, to adjust the needle, leave the car running, pull out cluster (disconnect all connectors), open it up, adjust needle? Won't this set off the air bag light? I was so careful not to set it off by disconnecting the battery and not driving my car while the cluster was out.
You pull the cluster forward, remove the 7 screws that hold the clear lense on the front, pull the lense and then you deal with the needles.

You dont need to unplug the cluster, and yep, you leave the car turned on.

While your in there its a good opportunity to also tank your car up to the max and set the fuel gauge to make sure its ok.
Old 03-05-09, 12:38 PM
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Originally Posted by UZZ30-SC4
You pull the cluster forward, remove the 7 screws that hold the clear lense on the front, pull the lense and then you deal with the needles.

You dont need to unplug the cluster, and yep, you leave the car turned on.

While your in there its a good opportunity to also tank your car up to the max and set the fuel gauge to make sure its ok.
Thanks for the detailed explanation, I'll go ahead and do that.
Old 03-05-09, 12:58 PM
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Originally Posted by mr2tosc4
Thanks for the detailed explanation, I'll go ahead and do that.
no prob bro
Old 03-05-09, 02:38 PM
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ok that helps a lot
Old 03-06-09, 07:09 PM
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shern
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Team

I have my cluster out and face taken off. I'm scared schitless to pull this speedo needle out. This galvanometer feels very fragile and I'm afraid of losing my perfect illumination if I pull. A good pull does not allow the needle to release. Also, is it even possible to pull the needle off, reset it 10mph (x degrees) and still save my illumination? Any idea?

Last edited by shern; 03-06-09 at 07:13 PM.
Old 03-06-09, 08:26 PM
  #29  
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Are you just screwing around with a stock cluster needle?
Old 03-06-09, 08:34 PM
  #30  
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I think im just going to sell my 300 cluster to buy one for my 400.


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