Menu toggle

erratic temperature gauge

M

muzz

New member
I was driving to Scotland last week from Cambridgeshire when I notice my temperature gauge shot up into the red, it was like a switch not a gradual move into the red. So I tapped the top of the dashboard and the gauge went back to normal reading, this happen alot of times.I have got the cluster of gauges out of the dashboard but cannot see anything obviously wrong.
1987 944s
can anyone help.
thank you in advance
 
The contacts behind the dash require cleaning and re greasing. This has happened on both my 944s. Both of them suffered from the 'engine overheating' syndrome on the temp gauges but my first S2 also had a variable fuel gauge (brimming the tank resulted in the gauge saying that I still had 1/4 of a tank until I did the above).

Anyway, in the image below you will notice that there are some rhombus shaped pieces held down with a 7mm (IIRC) nut. The nut needs to be removed from these items followed by the pieces being pulled out.

3893409016_779239bdc6.jpg


And with the items removed
DSC_0015.jpg


On my S2 two of the 4 pieces had some tarnished terminals present despite them being cleaned. I went on to lightly sand the brass parts until they were clean once more:

DSC_0013.jpg


DSC_0011.jpg


This resulted in a reliable set of gauges with my temperature gauge back to normal in addition to my fuel gauge work well too. I also cleaned (gently) the ribbin connnectors (where the car harness connects to the cluster) with electrical cleaner. WD40 seems to work short term although switch cleaner and Vaseline (or another electrical grease) seems to do the job very well.
 
I had this problem with an erratic temperature gauge and assumed it was a problem at the sender and so cleaned those connectors. This did not cure the gauge and so having seen this thread I cleaned the rhombus connectors.

They didn't appear that tarnished, but I have to report that it has cured the gauge and it is now rock solid.

Thanks ChasR for posting this cure as I would never have thought of doing that and I now I don't have to keep tapping the gauge to settle it down.
 
+1 for this procedure. A common 944 issue which I have had also. Fixed about 5 years ago and been fine since.

Stuart
 
I know I have said this about a number of threads but I believe this one should be another for going into the FAQ or at the very least the Technical Articles forum :)
 
This comes just at the right time as I have two gauge clusters apart on my home desk and was about to search the web on this topic.

Thanks! [:)]
 
Could something like this be the cause of my non functioning speedo. We have a signal all the way up to the cluster. Just didn't know what to look for.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top