Gauge Cluster Problems

[JamesLeeNguyen]

Hey everyone, I would love some opinions on how to fix my gauge cluster. I recently just purchased a 91 S13 and the cluster does not properly function. I am curious as to the reason behind the malfunction. I've spent about a day or so on the issue. I haven't figured anything out yet, but have been going through a bunch of forums on the issue. This is what I've checked so far.

Checked:
-Relays (ACC, IGN, and ALT) (Figured these out through other post)
-Fuse (Meter)
-12V power to gauges ( I believe all three connections are getting them)

So I have yet to check the grounds, I heard there are 4 in the car that I am supposed to look for. Also the dash lights do not come on, but my tail lights work fine so I don't think its the TLC. On the cluster I do get the low gas light as well as a check engine light due to my recent dual cam swap. Also the blinker lights do work too. Besides that nothing works. I was thinking that it could be the speed sensor and the sending unit for gas, but I decided it wasn't because the temp doesn't work either. Also if it was the sending unit why am I getting the low gas light (making assumption that sending unit works now because of this). So overall what I'm trying to figure out is why the fuel gauge, speedo, and temp are not working nor is the dash lights on. Like I said before the gas light works, blinkers, and check engine light works. Forgot to mention that the tach does seem to jump up when I start the car, but being that I have the swap it doesn't work. The speedometer doesn't move from 0.

I am also curious to know which wires are the grounds so I can try to trace them back. Maybe someone can tell me the proper wiring so I can make sure the wires are in the right pins. I know I've seen a post about it somewhere,but can't seem to find it.

I'm hoping the cluster isn't bad, but can it be even though the info lights work?

Thanks in advance for all the help

[JustinRB25s13'92]

did you state you had tried diagnosing at the actual cluster its self?

[JamesLeeNguyen]

So I actually found out that the gas and temp gauge connectors were incorrectly connected to the cluster. However I am still having issues with all gauges. The low gas light is own and yet my gas tank says it is half full. Also my temp gauge doesn't seem to move at all, but I heard that this does take take a while before it shows the proper temp. Finally my speedometer seems to be stuck at 40 mph when the car is just idling, but I have also did research on this and believe that you can adjust it by a blue screw thing on the cluster. It would be helpful if I can get a confirmation on this or any other possible resolution.

[dasCOUPE]

The low gas light can come on and more than often stay on even with a full tank because of the sensor attached to the fuel pump assembly goes bad and usually just corrodes after many years in the bottom of your gas tank I imagine it could be replaced, soldered, crimped in a new sensor+wire (with the assembly decontaminated and dry). [WARNING DO NOT ATTEMPT NEAR ANY FLAMMABLES] If your temp gauge doesn't move at all (engine coolant temp on cluster) check the sensor and connection for corrosion. "Thermoswitch" in the FSM pdf page 112 or page 867 represents the sensor for the coolant temp on your gauge. I know all this first hand I've been through it all. There are many useful troubleshooting procedures in the FSM, although as good as it is doesn't cover everything.

[grinevb]

Hey I have the same problem and I did a little research and read that it could be the timing control unit. It's the white box next to the fuse box, the one by the clutch pedal, brakes, throttle... I'm buying one tomorrow and plan to install it as soon as it comes in the mail.

[grinevb]

http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/fix-fo ... ights.html

[mwknoerzer]

After doing the dual cam swap did you use a Dohc cluster then repin the one plug?