YACT: Dead (kinda) Gauges

[Aquila76]

If I got it from my local Pontiac dealer, it would have been ~$300 because they HAVE to install it, not just sell the part. I got one out of a wrecked car from the junkyard for about a tenth of that.

 

[JEDI]

Originally posted by: Aquila76
'96 Pontiac Grand Am SE I4 sedan

I started up my car like I normally do each day; however, all the gauges just bounced up to max and then dropped back down to zero - and stayed there. The Tach, Speedo, Gas, and Temp are all at their lowest settings (as if the car was turned off). The Odometer and Trip odometer still work fine, and the idiot lights are all on as well. The car seems to be running fine with the exception that I have no physical gauge of my speed etc.

I found one reference on some site off of Google that this may relate to the ignition switch; but, there was no reply as to if that fixed it. Have any of you guys experienced something like this? What fixed it? As Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to get bagged for speeding, I'd like to fix this ASAP.

Thanks, guys.

EDIT (BoomerD & MedicBob): I went through the fuses, and all are fine. That was my first thought, too. I pulled and reseated them, just to make sure they didn't rattle loose.

EDIT 2: Battery disconnected for a couple days; gauges still out.

EDIT 3: Yay! Finally resolved!

hey noob... how about writing how it was fixed?

 

[compnovice]

Originally posted by: Aquila76

Oh, as a fun side note, the anti-theft system is built in the gauge pack, too. So if you replace the gauge pack, you're car won't start - but only temporarily. If this system is any indication of other anti-thefts they are a fscking joke! To bypass it, start the car and the ignition will shut off with the 'Theft System' light blinking. Leave it in the run position for 10 minutes (or until the 'Theft System' light will come on solid) then switch it off. Wait 10 seconds and the car will start and function normally from then on.

Will he car start? Not sure what exactly did you mean by temporarily, a few minutes?

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: JEDI

Originally posted by: Aquila76
'96 Pontiac Grand Am SE I4 sedan

I started up my car like I normally do each day; however, all the gauges just bounced up to max and then dropped back down to zero - and stayed there. The Tach, Speedo, Gas, and Temp are all at their lowest settings (as if the car was turned off). The Odometer and Trip odometer still work fine, and the idiot lights are all on as well. The car seems to be running fine with the exception that I have no physical gauge of my speed etc.

I found one reference on some site off of Google that this may relate to the ignition switch; but, there was no reply as to if that fixed it. Have any of you guys experienced something like this? What fixed it? As Memorial Day Weekend is a great time to get bagged for speeding, I'd like to fix this ASAP.

Thanks, guys.

EDIT (BoomerD & MedicBob): I went through the fuses, and all are fine. That was my first thought, too. I pulled and reseated them, just to make sure they didn't rattle loose.

EDIT 2: Battery disconnected for a couple days; gauges still out.

EDIT 3: Yay! Finally resolved!

hey noob... how about writing how it was fixed?

Hey Noob, read about 3 posts up? 🙂 He replaced the gauge cluster.

 

[Aquila76]

Originally posted by: compnovice

Originally posted by: Aquila76

Oh, as a fun side note, the anti-theft system is built in the gauge pack, too. So if you replace the gauge pack, you're car won't start - but only temporarily. If this system is any indication of other anti-thefts they are a fscking joke! To bypass it, start the car and the ignition will shut off with the 'Theft System' light blinking. Leave it in the run position for 10 minutes (or until the 'Theft System' light will come on solid) then switch it off. Wait 10 seconds and the car will start and function normally from then on.

Will he car start? Not sure what exactly did you mean by temporarily, a few minutes?

The first time you try to start it, it won't. It'll turn over and die immediately. Just sit with the key in Run for about ten minutes, turn it off and wait ten seconds. It'll start/run normally from there.