Gas Gauge Finally Fixed - 1985 Chevrolet Caprice Classic

On a full tank, the gas gauge would only read 3/4 full. This has been going on for several years. Now, after more troubleshooting, it appears that oxidation on the contacts behind the instrument cluster was the reason that the gas gauge would only read up to 3/4 full even when the gas tank was actually full. I also noticed that depending on how you “seat” the instrument cluster in the dashboard can also affect the amount of electrical contact between the connectors and the printed wiring on the back of the instrument cluster. This could be due to damaged areas on the printed wiring. It has to be seated “just right”.
For example, after I filmed this video, I pulled out the instrument cluster again to adjust the shifter cable that clips to the steering column. When I reinserted the instrument cluster and tested it, the gas gauge showed only ¾ full (on a full tank)! Nooooooo!!! But when I adjusted the way the instrument cluster was “seated” against the connectors and tested it again, the gas gauge immediately read “full”.
Of course, the printed wiring is very fragile, and you have to be very careful handling the back of the instrument cluster. There is probably only a finite number of times that the instrument cluster can be removed and reinserted before the printed wiring fails. If that happens, it would probably require manually repairing the printed wiring with some other conductive material painted or spliced in its place.
Please add your comments below on any similar issues you encountered and any fixes (successful or not). Thanks very much for watching!
If you've been following this channel, you'll know that in prior videos, I replaced the gas gauge with a new old stock OEM gauge, and also replaced the fuel sending unit. Neither fixed the issue. I also did some troubleshooting in an attempt to diagnose what’s causing this, and had narrowed it down to a partially bad ground somewhere up at the front of the car between the instrument panel and the fuse box. For reference:
- replacing the fuel gage: • Replacing the fuel gau...
- replacing the sending unit: • How to replace the sen...
- troubleshooting the gas gauge problems: • Gas Gauge Problems - 1...
Other referenced videos:
- removing & reinstalling the steering wheel: • How to Remove the Stee...
- removing the instrument cluster: • Removing the instrumen...
- reinstalling the instrument cluster: • Reinstalling the instr...

[@AmyDuesenberg]

HELP :

[@mohammadmahdisoleimani6146]

Hi bro

[@kaialexander8795]

Great little series on the gas gauge ordeal now it time for me to figure what's going on with mine😂

[@anthonymorales3655]

Can U make a video on the fuse box inside the car?

[@chadhndrxx]

can i just replace the cluster?

[@user-mr5et5fy2s]

I got a 79 impala mines want work at all even if I ground the pink wire it won’t move or nunthing any idea what could be the problem

[@jerronthomas6565]

Why doesn’t it have a temp gauge

[@JamesJones-th9mi]

I have an 88 brougham I just changed the sending unit but my gaug still is on empty do you have any tips

[@MoneymaFilms]

❤

[@davidmonteiropaes6247]

Hi @longologo productions! Do you know if any website selling all complete fuel injection kit to the 305 5.0L (4BBL) from 1985? Had a look on rock auto but could not find any. Would you have any idea if it is complicated to install and ind the end worth it? Thanks again, great channel and video!

[@HB-of6qw]

I am a Saudi girl and I love this type of car. I want to buy one in the future. Your channel is amazing. Keep going ♥️♥️

[@briizcustoms9543]

Are you familiar wit the 80's Crown Vic Ltd's?

[@turkeyssr]

You can remove the speedometer cable before you pull the cluster. I'm not sure if that helps relieve any of the "pulling" or stressing on the printed circuit board. Also, you can use a pencil eraser to remove the oxidation if you don't have a Dremel. I haven't had to do this yet on my '83. Great video! If all else fails, Dakota digital and Intellitronix make direct fit replacements. They're pricey, but at least they're available. Thanks!