I recently removed the cluster to change how it looked at night. I used sharpie to color all the bulbs to give it a new look.

http://i26.tinypic.com/eqw1sp.jpg

I'm very happy with how it looks but after I reinstalled the cluster, the fuel and temperature gauges seem to be malfunctioning after I put the key to on. I took out the cluster again to move fuel needle close to its original position, close to a 1/4. I put the cluster back in and put the key in. Once I turn the key to on, the gas needle goes back to above full and the temp gauge reads very hot way at the top. What could be the problem? Please help.

*EDIT* I just went to fill up the tank. In the first few minutes of driving, the gas needle self-corrected to what looked right but then minutes after it went back to being f***ed up again. The temp gauge needle still reads very hot.

 

You broke it. Good luck.

 

Don't ever spin or move anything when you're messing with a gauge. Good luck, I hope someone can help you.

 

They're incredibly delicate.

Best bet? Buy a new cluster on eBay for $50 and swap parts CAREFULLY. You probably broke the needles by moving them around. And the resistances are all screwed up if they're moving incorrectly.

 

you messed up the calibration of the needles.

 

I didn't really touch the needles though. I may have accidentally nudged the gas needle a bit but that's about it. Most of the work I did was external from the cluster with the bulbs behind and on top.

 

It sounds like you lost a connection to the senders for those gauges.
I would confirm that you've good solid connections (no corrosion, no loss of spring tension) where the dash harness connects to the cluster.
When either loose connection to either or their respective senders, the needles peg at the maximum value and stay there regardless.

P

 

So just double check the 3 connectors at the top of the cluster?