Instrument cluster gremlins... What does this mean?

[uvachief]

I recently pulled my instrument cluster to check my weak temperature/gas combo gauge. I barely get a reading on the temperature gauge and the gas needle would start of stuck. I cleaned all the points on the three male connectors. Reinstalled everything and test drive it. Gas gauged stayed stuck until I drove it for 15 minutes or so. Then it would be fine after that for the rest of the day. I could tap on the instrument glass and it would start working. If it sits over night, same problem. Now it is staying stuck until your warm it up, stop and cut the engine off. If you turn the key, the gas needle pops right up. Weird. Temp gauge working better now though. All other gauges work fine. Any ideas?

[M. Murphy]

Sorry to be brief but it sure sounds like some ground is in need of cleaning.

[uvachief]

Anyone got a map or schematic showing where all the grounds are located?

[starryknite]

[uvachief]

You da man!

[uvachief]

Ground points needed to be cleaned. In addition, the female wiring connector tended to work its way loose form the male cluster connectors over time. That was causing most of my problems. The fuel gauge still sticks so I haven't cleaned something correctly.

[djnolan]

Originally Posted by uvachief

The fuel gauge still sticks so I haven't cleaned something correctly.

The sticking needle could be binding against the gauge face.

The needle reading can also be adjusted by gently twisting the needle on the gauge head.