Hey guys.
On my accord when i pulled out the cluster gauge to put a aftermarket one i moved the gas needle a little bit. and after when i turned on the car the need went all the way up and now it doesnt move, and its not showing me how much gas i have. do you know what could the problem be ?

 

You have an open circuit (infinite resistance) involving the fuel gauge sender circuit.
Either an issue with the connection between the Cluster and the Dash Wiring Harness or an internal issue with the gauge set.
A direct short would have sent the needle in just the opposite direction.

P

 

is this fixable or i have to buy a whole new cluster ?

 

Recheck your connections (yeh, I know it's a royal pain, but...). Confirm it's working before you button everything up.
If it's still a no-go, try plugging in the old one. If it works (but your new one doesn't) .... then there's your answer.

Gauge Clusters can be disassembled and parts swapped between like-series units and Honda offers replacement bits for the entire cluster inner workings. BUT, unless you know your way around in there (Testing and Inspecting) it could become dollar intensive. (Honda wants $123.00 USD just for the fuel meter)

P

 

Hey Paul,

What is it that goes wrong with these gauges?

I'm looking to replace my gauge due to a malfunctioning speedo (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt). Should I be looking for a speedo with as little miles as possible? Or is it just luck of the draw?

 

Actually the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) and/or it's wiring is the Odds-On Favorite for this complaint.
In most cases (however), if it is VSS related the speedo failure is associated with either/or/both the "Check Engine" or the D4(S) (depending on series) flashing light thingie.
I'm thinking more component wise with this since Honda has almost no issues with their wireing/harness/connector (unless they're screwed with). This is one area the Japanese excell on; electrical design and implimentation.

If you have an associated CEL or flashing D4 = VSS
If you do not have an associated CEL or flashing D4 = Cluster or damaged connection.

P

 

No CEL, so looks like speedometer cluster.

Managed to find a used one with 175k miles on it located about an hours drive from me for $50.

Any idea if my original can be fixed for a nominal amount? Is it just the soldering that needs to be re-done? I've inquired at a few shops and they just say its junk now.

 

They (a few shops) are shooting pretty straight for you. I know of one guy that ultimately parted three used clusters to make one good one, and it took him a week to finish it up and get it reinstalled.
There's not a whole lotta soldering to do. Everythings' printed circuits, components and connectors.

P

 

Thanks Paul. Your a great resource. You should write a book on 5th Generation Accords.

 

You don't need to replace the whole speedo, just the speedo printed circuit board; so you can keep your original odometer reading. See this thread and pictures:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/showth...328&highlight=

 

Thanks for the link redbull-1. Looks like an easy procedure.

 

thank you Paul, thank you redbull for the help.

 

My speedo some times stuck when it's cold. But once it works then it works all day. Do you guys think it needs lubing or should I change the circuit? Some time a hard tap at it will make it works as well.
Thanks.