OK. So, I have a some questions about installing my new Black Cat Custom gauge face. I have a 2004 Cavalier btw.
In the instructions provided, they tell me to remove the needles. And then put them back on, into their original positions after installing the new face? I have searched and read that you should not remove the needles because they will probably not read correctly after re-assembly? Is this true for 00-05 clusters?
I have also read that if you position the needles at 12 o'clock (00-05 clusters) you can then slide the new face over the factory; then upon starting the car will re-calibrate themselves?
Any clarification would be greatly appreciated?
Thanks in advance
listening.
I have a BCC gauge overlay I need to finally install, but I don't think it will fit over the needles like you say because the holes seem to small.
right, my thoughts exactly!...
I did a set on my '01 cav. back in '03 and i took detailed pics of the needle position before I removed them i was really, really careful putting them back and it all seemed fine ...i tried the 12 o'clock thing too and the holes on mine were to small......i'd say be very careful or let a shop do it for you
2003 Cavalier
Stock 2.2 Liter, 5 speed
" Leave the rice to Uncle Ben's and the wings to KFC..
Go clean or go home. "
Marc Sheffield wrote:I did a set on my '01 cav. back in '03 and i took detailed pics of the needle position before I removed them i was really, really careful putting them back and it all seemed fine ...i tried the 12 o'clock thing too and the holes on mine were to small......i'd say be very careful or let a shop do it for you
I do have a spare cluster, so I am going to try this.
After your car has cooled down:
1. Turn the ignition to run. Make note of the positions of the needles.( rpm and temp should be at zero)
2. Take out your factory cluster, turn the needles counter clockwise until they loosen up and can be removed.
3. Remove the stock gauge face with a X-acto knife and remove excess glue/adhesive
4. Install new gauge face.
5. Plug the cluster back in and turn key to run
6. Place needles to the exact same spot as before.
Does this sound about right?
Do this. I had some small issues with BCC's face and I had to install a new face.
1. Remove needles, I recommend a pry tool that will give equal force so you don't bend the mechanism.
- Don't yank, pull slowly and twist, pull slowly and twist. If your cluster has never had the needles pulled, it will be tight. The main thing is, you don't want to mess up anything on the needle motor.
2. Remove face, by peeling off.
3. Clean surface area really good. WD-40 to remove old glue and Ammonia based Windex (blue liquid) to remove WD-40.
4. Install face.
5. Now install the needles:
- Plug cluster to the car, you will hear noises on cluster.
-Turn the car to ACC ((DON"T TURN THE CAR ON))--- You should see all your warning lights.
-Now install your needle onto the 0 settings--- 0 MPH/KPH, 0 RPMS, empty fuel, cold engine. You do this now because that's where the motor sets before it starts reading. You may have to turn to ACC a couple of times before the install needle so motors are accurate.
-Have a steady hand and install needle, for accuracy read out. Don't push needle all the way, as it may not move, and don't leave it to loose either. I recommend to look at the needle spacing from the face and do the same space on the install.
6. Install clear
7. install dash
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
i would just take it to a shop, if they f it up, they can fix it, if you f it up...
So, ACC meaning the key turned all the way towards me ? Not "run", which is forward and will move the needles?
Thanks for all the help!
ACC means Accesories (run power windows). I think two clicks forward ( or against you), again...you'll see all your warning lights. Don't crank the car. That when you install your needles at zero.
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
OK, then there is no need to mark the where the needles are in the ACC setting before you pull the needles.?
OK, well I got the gauges installed. Had to adjust the gas gauge just a bit, but everything is working great. I will post some pics in the next couple days Thanks for everyone's input and help.!
