Crazy Gauges!!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 30
From: Weslaco Texas
Crazy Gauges!!
I don't know what to look for to fix this issue, if someone could please lead me to the right direction of what could possibly be doing this..
First off my issue started after removing the broken lock-up switch that my daughter loved to play with!!
so I took off the old switch, drove to Burton Auto and purchased another switch. I installed it right outside and for some reason when I connected it the gauges went all crazy as in the picture and since then it's been like that. I removed the switch, checked to make sure i put the 3 wires as it was before. I tested it, and the lock-up works but all the gauges are either off/frozen. Gas Gauge is frozen & only moves up when i put gas in the car. Volts always stays below the starting point. Oil fluctuates from 40-60. Clock never worked (so i dont care lol). Temperature gauge is frozen. GEN light stays light and may flicker randomly and rarely turn off. Since then i've removed the switch, and center console and checked all wires, cleared out old wires and re-routed some wires. I've swapped out 2 burnt out fuses (driver side feet). And still I have the same problem. I have the GEN light on, and i disconnected that wire on the alternator and the GEN light goes off but the rest still remains crazy. The only gauge that is actually working is the MPH, all others are crazy, and when I use the power windows some of the gauges like the RPM and another one (i forgot) move up and down a little.... i'm lost here, can someone help me? Thanks!
First off my issue started after removing the broken lock-up switch that my daughter loved to play with!!
so I took off the old switch, drove to Burton Auto and purchased another switch. I installed it right outside and for some reason when I connected it the gauges went all crazy as in the picture and since then it's been like that. I removed the switch, checked to make sure i put the 3 wires as it was before. I tested it, and the lock-up works but all the gauges are either off/frozen. Gas Gauge is frozen & only moves up when i put gas in the car. Volts always stays below the starting point. Oil fluctuates from 40-60. Clock never worked (so i dont care lol). Temperature gauge is frozen. GEN light stays light and may flicker randomly and rarely turn off. Since then i've removed the switch, and center console and checked all wires, cleared out old wires and re-routed some wires. I've swapped out 2 burnt out fuses (driver side feet). And still I have the same problem. I have the GEN light on, and i disconnected that wire on the alternator and the GEN light goes off but the rest still remains crazy. The only gauge that is actually working is the MPH, all others are crazy, and when I use the power windows some of the gauges like the RPM and another one (i forgot) move up and down a little.... i'm lost here, can someone help me? Thanks!
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 30
From: Weslaco Texas
a lock-up switch is so you engage kinda like an extra gear and it drops the rpms a little lower from the overdrive. I have a 700r4 installed in my C3 and my brother-in-law added the lock-up switch for highway use really so when I want lower rpms I just turn the switch on and it drops 200 rpms.
Pro
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 9
Not to change the thread but it should always have the TQ locked in 4th gear or you will over heat the transmission. Least expensive way is to use the vacuum switch and the brake peddle switch from a mid 80,s chevy truck. This way it unlocks when you accelerate and when you hit the brakes. No need to lock up in 3rd or 2nd like most OEM set ups.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 30
From: Weslaco Texas
im sure it's a ground but where? does any ground effect all gauges or is there a specific area I should look at?
this is exactly what I was going to do after this crap happened to me cause i'd rather not mess with a switch and just have it with the vacuum switch. I just need to look it up on how to hook it up..
Not to change the thread but it should always have the TQ locked in 4th gear or you will over heat the transmission. Least expensive way is to use the vacuum switch and the brake peddle switch from a mid 80,s chevy truck. This way it unlocks when you accelerate and when you hit the brakes. No need to lock up in 3rd or 2nd like most OEM set ups.
