Gauge cluster question (replacement)

[Litesonic]

So the cluster in my 87 works except the Oil Pressure Pins to 5 upon start... and the odometer/trip meter no longer record distance.

I think the Oil Pressure is related to a sensor... I'll deal with that in a bit.

If I replace it with another cluster that has an MPG gauge will I have that in my harness or will it be in-op.

Seems silly to replace it with something that won't be completely working (not that it's that accurate).

My current cluster does not have this feature, but it does have the up-shift light.

Thanks for the insight and information.

[honerboys]

disconnect the wires from the oil pressure sender (pass. side front) - if gauge drops to 0 probably the sender - the odometer is a chronic problem with these cars - if you replace the cluster there's no guarantee the "new" one won't have same problem or develop it soon - might be better off just fixing yours - don't know if the MPG wires are in all cars

[Gawernator]

Your oil pressure sender probably died. When you get a replacement, get OEM only. The aftermarket Chinese one SUCKS. Search my old thread for suppliers

[Litesonic]

Yeah, I understand about the gears... replaced one in the 951 I had.

If anyone knows about the wires for the MPG, that would be my concern.

The ODO is off anyway so accuracy isn't a concern (already noted on the title).
I just don't like having a "gauge" that doesn't work.

Replacing the whole cluster for $100 seems like a better deal than repairing mine.

Thanks again gents.

[mazdaverx7]

Why not just replace the odometer gear instead of replacing the cluster? Took me about an hour from start to finish and I soldered in two capacitors and a resistor on the circuit board of my late 85. not sure why your car does not have an MPG gauge in it. I thought all 944's had that gauge and all 951's had a boost gauge in place of the mileage gauge.

[Litesonic]

Yeah, I thought the same about the MPG gauge. I was surprised to see it wasn't there.

I'm fixing this one up to pass it along, so I am weighing spending $100 to plug one that works v. spending $20 (and another hour or so) to fix the one I have. The $80 saved will allow me to work on other small things... so that maybe the right answer.

I have done one before, and so it's not that big a deal. I am recovering the dash now, so it's a good time to tackle it.

Thanks again.

[Rik944]

Originally Posted by honerboys

disconnect the wires from the oil pressure sender (pass. side front) - if gauge drops to 0 probably the sender

This is not accurate. The gauge is displaying >5 bar because the resistence is unlimited. Disconnecting the oil pressure sender wouldn't change that, regardless of the cause of the problem. I recommend following clark's garage about testing the oil pressure gauge

About the odometer: like many others said, this is a common problem among 944's. You'll need a new gear which you can purchase from rennbay. Then replace the gear by following this manual It's pretty easy to do yourself.

Good luck!