gauge issues

[scotty b]

1974 280 c.

I just pulled he cluster tonight and haven't gone any further yet.

Problems :

No gauge lights, no fuel gauge. Fuel gauge read either empty( off ) or full ( on ) The original fuel sending unit was stuck so I put a NOS unit in. It worked freely as it should, but I still read empty when off and full when on. The only difference is the idiot light now works which tells me the gauge itself is good. Is it possible that the potentiometer for the lights also controls the fuel gauge ? I see this as a non option, but figured I would ask first.

FWIW all other gauges and lights work as they should

[Shortsguy1]

The dash lighting dimmer/potentiometer does not affect the fuel gauge as designed. Is this a new problem, or since you got the car? Something may have happened to cause the two to interact. Perhaps someone "fixed" the dash lighting in a way that disabled both systems from working correctly.

[meltedpanda]

check all traces for contimuity on the back of the pod, and make sure dash pod has good ground - I actually attach a sepertate line from metal frame to body

[scotty b]

I just pulled the cluster apart and as stated I now see there is no connection between the two

Since I've had the car, the lights have not worked. Fuel gauge goes full when ignition is on, empty when off. Pulled the sending unit and it was well beyond repair so I found a NOS one and installed it. No change in the gauge readings, except now the idiot light comes on when it is about out.

I'm sitting at my desk as I type this waiting for my soldering gun to heat up. Will jump the rheostat and put the cluster back together. I suppose the next step is to start running the sending unit wiring for a dead short. I hate wiring.....

[scotty b]

Originally Posted by meltedpanda

I actually attach a sepertate line from metal frame to body

Good idea.