ACK! Help with gauge install
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Rockenreno
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ACK! Help with gauge install
ok, so I got everything out, my trouvle is getting it back in. I can't get the needles back on right. the fuel gauge just drops to bottom slowly and the tach needle idles at 1500 rpm (which ain't right, that's just where it sits since its not on right). Also, I haven't taken out the speedometer needle yet, but it has significantly more resistance that the others (I screwed them back on). The other needles just need a touch to jump. I really want my gauges to work. Any advice? Thanks!
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Rockenreno
- Posts: 2891
- Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2003 5:48 pm
- Car: 1997 BMW M3
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hmm, tach went to around 700 rpm at idle when i tried it again, I doubt its going to stay right though. I also figured out that you can just push the needles back on, not sure about pulling them off though, don't seem to like it much. Still... need help on calibration info and how to properly remove/install the needles. I haven't removed the speedo yet cause I don't want to mess it up. I need a plan before I break that apart... Thanks in advance!
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Rockenreno
- Posts: 2891
- Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2003 5:48 pm
- Car: 1997 BMW M3
- Contact:
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Rockenreno
- Posts: 2891
- Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2003 5:48 pm
- Car: 1997 BMW M3
- Contact:
yes, 1996 base model - installing white face gauges.
Ok, update. I've determined that my tach is working great. Went for a spin with the speedo untouched (still black) and the revs were correct across the board. With a little finangling I fixed the gas so it reads right (for now). Still have to fill it up to see how good the readings are and let it sit to see if it falls any more. The engine temp I never had a problem with, it doesn't even need to be very accurate but it appears to be working fine.
My conclusion:To remove needles twist and pull. To replace twist and push. You just have to get the zero location set correctly in order for it to work. Overall its not that hard to do, especially if you have decent equipment (I don't). I am going to go try to replace the speedo now, hopefully no problems will arise. That is the one things I really don't want to mess up
Ok, update. I've determined that my tach is working great. Went for a spin with the speedo untouched (still black) and the revs were correct across the board. With a little finangling I fixed the gas so it reads right (for now). Still have to fill it up to see how good the readings are and let it sit to see if it falls any more. The engine temp I never had a problem with, it doesn't even need to be very accurate but it appears to be working fine.
My conclusion:To remove needles twist and pull. To replace twist and push. You just have to get the zero location set correctly in order for it to work. Overall its not that hard to do, especially if you have decent equipment (I don't). I am going to go try to replace the speedo now, hopefully no problems will arise. That is the one things I really don't want to mess up
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Rockenreno
- Posts: 2891
- Joined: Sun Jan 05, 2003 5:48 pm
- Car: 1997 BMW M3
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I gauged mine by first leaving the old speedo alone and checking speed at certain revs. Once the tach was good, I replaced the speedo and measured speed vs rpm. I think my car is pretty much set right now, but just to make sure I am going to take it out on the freeway with my friend and make sure my speedo is right all the way through highway speeds (only did the measuring by tach up to about 55).
Overall, I must say I am very impressed by the standard SE white face gauges. My friend said my car looks like a luxury car now, and I really like the feel at night. Plus white is awesome during day. It was totally worth the $45 I paid for the gauge cluster (assuming I didn't mess up my speedo or other gauges). I highly recommend the install if your looking for something small but fun to do yourself. Its really not that hard, you just need to calibrate your needles a bit when you put them on. If anyone has any questions about the install I can answer them or do a write up (didn't have a camera to take pics during install, so I didn't, but I can write it out).
Cheers!:D
Overall, I must say I am very impressed by the standard SE white face gauges. My friend said my car looks like a luxury car now, and I really like the feel at night. Plus white is awesome during day. It was totally worth the $45 I paid for the gauge cluster (assuming I didn't mess up my speedo or other gauges). I highly recommend the install if your looking for something small but fun to do yourself. Its really not that hard, you just need to calibrate your needles a bit when you put them on. If anyone has any questions about the install I can answer them or do a write up (didn't have a camera to take pics during install, so I didn't, but I can write it out).
Cheers!:D