Fix your TJ's dead gauges (write-up)

zach1288 · 07-24-2005, 06:37 PM

Fix your TJ's dead gauges

Here is a quick write-up on how to fix your dead gauges. I had a problem with them dying, and later found out that it was a common problem. The connection's to the gauges can go bad for many reasons.

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First thing you have to do is remove this piece of plastic on the top of your dash. There are not any screws just pull up on it, and it should pop right off.

Next remove the screws on each side of the steering wheel as shown in the pictures below.

Then pull off that piece of plastic from under the steering wheel as shown in the picture below.

zach1288 · 07-24-2005, 06:39 PM

Then you have to remove the piece of plastic that covers the gauge cluster. There are two screws on the bottom and three along the top.

zach1288 · 07-24-2005, 06:40 PM

Next you have to remove the gauge cluster. There will be two screws on the top and two screws on the bottom. Once you take the screws off, gently pull the cluster toward you. It will pop off the connectors.

zach1288 · 07-24-2005, 06:41 PM

Last you want to clean the connectors on the back of the cluster and on the connectors in the dash. I cleaned mine with rubbing alcohol and q-tips. You can also bend the wires on the cluster with needle nose pliers. After that put the cluster back on and test it out. If it works put everything back together. If it does not work then try cleaing again. If you still dont have any luck post in my forum or jeepforum.com and someone will help you.

Lefty · 07-24-2005, 07:03 PM

Great Guide, good to see what the back of the cluster looks like. Only cluster I've seen is the back to a '65 mustang.

BNovak · 07-24-2005, 10:17 PM

when you put it back togethor - smear the connectors with dielectric grease. That helps with the water prooffing.

Another tip - since you have the fascia that covers around the guages off, it's a good time to hit it with a couple coats of Fusion paint.

-BN

smittystorm · 07-25-2005, 08:13 AM

Great write up, thanks for taking the extra time.

zach1288 · 07-25-2005, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Great write up, thanks for taking the extra time.

No problem, next time i have something wrong with my jeep, i will make another writeup

smittystorm · 07-30-2005, 10:33 PM

Definately keep them coming

firefitr26 · 08-01-2005, 02:36 PM

what wires do you twist?

**Windsor** · 08-01-2005, 02:43 PM

Thank you for contributing!

**BigWaylon** · 08-01-2005, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firefitr26

what wires do you twist?

you don't twist the wires...

you can slightly twist/tweak the pins on the guage side of the connector, so they'll make better contact with the connectors on the firewall side...

...and ditto the dielectric grease suggestion...

Greg

firefitr26 · 08-01-2005, 05:26 PM

ok, I got it. I will try that, thanks.

zach1288 · 08-05-2005, 09:59 PM

Could you make this sticky?

**BigWaylon** · 08-05-2005, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zach1288

Could you make this sticky?

No, but I did add it to the TJ FAQ sticky at the top...we currenty have a "dead link" posted there, but I'm going to add this topic below it...

Greg

07-24-2005, 10:17 PM	#6
BNovak Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 2,081 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	when you put it back togethor - smear the connectors with dielectric grease. That helps with the water prooffing. Another tip - since you have the fascia that covers around the guages off, it's a good time to hit it with a couple coats of Fusion paint. -BN __________________ '97 Forest green. ~6" total lift, 8.8, etc. 36" TSL's, winch. You get the drill.

08-01-2005, 02:43 PM	#11
Windsor Mobil 1, not Mobile 1 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 631 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Thank you for contributing! __________________ 2004 Wrangler Rocky Mountain Edition BF Goodrich 31x10.50 Mud Terrain KM2 Rusty's 3" front springs and Skyjacker 2" rear spacers Skyjacker Hydro 7000 shocks and steering stabilizer JKS Quicker Disconnects Tuffy glove box, full console WARN D30 skid & Nth Degree Mobility oil pan skid WARN front and rear Rock Crawler bumpers, winch plate and grill guard WARN 9.5ti winch w/ Optima Blue Top D34M - X-Line rope & fairlead KC Daylighter Slimlights on windshield IPF H4 w/ FatBoy bulbs

07-24-2005, 06:39 PM	#2
zach1288 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: PA Posts: 363 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Then you have to remove the piece of plastic that covers the gauge cluster. There are two screws on the bottom and three along the top.

07-24-2005, 06:40 PM	#3
zach1288 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: PA Posts: 363 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Next you have to remove the gauge cluster. There will be two screws on the top and two screws on the bottom. Once you take the screws off, gently pull the cluster toward you. It will pop off the connectors.

07-24-2005, 06:41 PM	#4
zach1288 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: PA Posts: 363 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Last you want to clean the connectors on the back of the cluster and on the connectors in the dash. I cleaned mine with rubbing alcohol and q-tips. You can also bend the wires on the cluster with needle nose pliers. After that put the cluster back on and test it out. If it works put everything back together. If it does not work then try cleaing again. If you still dont have any luck post in my forum or jeepforum.com and someone will help you.

07-24-2005, 07:03 PM	#5
Lefty Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Statesville, NC Posts: 286 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Great Guide, good to see what the back of the cluster looks like. Only cluster I've seen is the back to a '65 mustang.

08-05-2005, 09:59 PM	#14
zach1288 Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: PA Posts: 363 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Could you make this sticky?