Cluster Issues

BrandonRBrandonR Band Wagon
in Electronics, Fueling & Air Conditioning
Ok guys, i've searched this topic and found one or two threads but they lead no where. I have a 90 civic wagon, and my gauge cluster works fine most of the time.
However, (and this is usually only when the cluster gets warm/hot) The gas guage with start to rise towards full, sometimes all the way past F or just float towards the top. Whenever this happens, my tach will bounce with the left turn signal, going from 0 to whatever rpm i'm at, and the coolant gauge will bounce towards hot.
Also, the left turn idicator on the dash and the highbeam indicator both dimly light up, flashing with the turn signal.
If I use my highbeams, the high beam indicator dimly lights along with the left turn signal indicator, the tach drops and stays on 0, and the coolant gauge goes to full hot and stays untill i turn off the highbeams.
If I dont use either, the cluster is normal aside from the gas gauge. here's the kicker, If i turn on my A/C for a few mins and my cluster cools down (i'm assuming) Everything works totally normal again. I have not found any ground issues at or near the cluster or broken wires.
Here's a video of a guy who had the same issue, Mine is IDENTICAL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2Rqxy7ToN4

I'm beginning to think the cluster is bad, but it's just weird because I can't find any reason for this. Thank you to anyone who has some insights.

Comments

  • fast freddyfast freddy Wagonist
    I worked on a similar problem for a customer. We replaced the PCM and all was well.
  • stampernstampern Senior Wagonist
    I'd guess cluster. I had one a while back that was doing a bunch of weird stuff. We though it was the wiring harness, but ended up just testing another cluster and no problems since. I would try borrowing/swapping with another cluster and then go from there.
  • BrandonRBrandonR Band Wagon
    fast freddy wrote:
    I worked on a similar problem for a customer. We replaced the PCM and all was well.
    How similar? I swapped in a PG7 ecu to the run the A6 with a slightly better fuel map than my 89 or 88 PM6. But this issue was happening before that. Worth to note though the PG7's circuit board looks like shit, very rusty. I'm probably going to put my PM6 back in since it's doing weird things when I start it up cold in the morning.... :shock:

    Also, I am looking for another cluster. I just cant seem to find one with a tach around here lol.
  • fast freddyfast freddy Wagonist
    Our problem was it would start and be good for a few minutes, then we would
    Lose the tach and our fuel gauge would drop to empty.
  • wick3d shadowwick3d shadow Band Wagon
    I know its an older post, but I have a very similar problem with my cluster as well. When the interior gets warm the tach and temp gauge both die, along with the clock and turn signals. I was wondering if swapping to a new cluster worked for anybody? I have a 91 rt btw.
  • wick3d shadowwick3d shadow Band Wagon
    So I have continued to trouble shoot my issue (listed above) and found a wagon at the local pull and pay to scavenge parts from. I grabbed the cluster and the fuse box to start with. First I tried the cluster, no change. Next was the fuse box, and as soon as I plugged it all in and turned the key on everything turns on and works in the cluster like its supposed to! Hurray for cheap easy fix!
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    Wow! The fuse box? That is crazy... I am not an expert but I would have pointed the problem to be a lose ground on the cluster... I have seen the same problem in the taillights... brake lights work fine until the blinkers make them turn on and off as well... That is usually a lose ground on the taillight.... Well, I am glad that you found the solution to your problem :-)
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