Instrument Gauge cluster issue and click sound issue

[944group]

I drive a 1987 944 N/A..............

I recently attempted to change the gauges on my 944 to reverse glow gauges which are much brighter and have a nicer look to them. When I put the instruments back in and i turned the key as though I was going to start it all the lights came on except the low gas light... over heating light.... and the gauge needle for the heat does not move at all anymore. I took all the bulbs out for the heat and low gas and they both work , so it has to be the cluster panel.... How do I go about trouble shooting it, and or repairing it?

Issue 2.... When ever I stop a hear a small click, also sometimes when I pull off, especially fast I here the same small click. Any ideas what that could be?

[Razorback1980]

I would say you just didn't get the wires connected back correctly. Make sure the clips are engaged and in the locked position. You can leave the screws out until you see the lights working.

[944group]

I checked all of that...... Im starting to think that maybe either the soft circuit board has been damaged or the terminals are messed up..... I did put all the lock tabs in the lock posistion

[Razorback1980]

I also switch two connectors around one time. I mean I read about a guy that switched two connectors around (I wouldn't do something stupid like that) but it caused a lot of problems. I had lights on for options I didn't even have.

[callmethewander]

the click is probably a coin or something sliding back and forth in your door pocket or center console, especially since it happens when you either accelerate hard or stop. if you don't find anything, check the wells on the sides of your hatch area, or maybe you just have a nut loose behind the wheel, haha

[944group]

Razorback..... Im going to assume your cluster works pefectly.... Can you go see what lights come on when you turn the key into first position. I have a friend that also has a 944 and his low gas light and heat light dont come on.... but when he is low on gas or over heats it does..... When I turn the ket to first position all the lights come on except those 2.... that it was strange that it did that, but it looks like its supposed to be that way, if my neighbors does the same thing..... I just want to confirm and see if yours or anyone else on here does the same thing.....

[pozican]

Click -- Maybe the CV?

[944group]

The problem is I cannot pin point the sound..... I do know its from the right side... but cant determine if it is front or back...... If it was a CV joint wouldnt I hear the noise all the time?

Also can one of you guys turn your key into the position right before starting and tell me if your low gas and heat light turn on.

[JivenJim]

Did you use and independent +12V and Ground... maybe you should if not. Not sure On that Glow Gauges but lots of backlighting use High voltage Transformers that can cause issues. And These cars with the back light bulb always seem very sensitive to Current or Resistance change. (ie lot of shared paths)

[944group]

The transformer is no were near the gauges..... I had thought about that when installing.....

All I need someone to do is get in thier 944 turn the key to position 2 and tell me if the low gas light and overheat light come on.......... if not I can just always let the gas get low

[odin360]

i have an '88 944 and dont worry the low lights and the hot coolant wont light when u turn your key only when u reach low gas or the engine is overheated.
and can u please post some pics with your reverse gauges because im thinking to put one. Im intrested how it looks in the daytime.

[bearone2]

the click could be the tripmeter hanging up, not rolling over.
btdt

[944group]

Thanks for the reply guys..... My neighbor has the same year car and he said it didnt come on either..... Just to make sure I waited till I was low on gas and what do you know, it came on...... The gauges work perfectly..... when it comes to the reverse glow gauges they look really, really good.... When people drive past me they actually slow down to see the gauges.... Only issue i had is that the manufaturer left out important holes, like for the low gas, over heat, no battery and no oil preassure.... dont ask me why but they did. I actually customized the gauges and added th slots myself. but it takes careful cutting...... most may not find those holes imporatant, but I do so i took the risk.... ill post pictures later.