Unplug the 1-wire temp sending unit under the distributor. Does the dash temp needle stay at cold?

Here's how to troubleshoot the fuel gauge:

 

just to make sure, not plugging in the lights for the gauges would not affect the circuit at all correct? as in all the gauges should work without having the gauge lights connected

 

What exactly does this mean:

The circuits for the dimmer switch and gauges are different.

 

sounds like you have abad ground, check your grounds on the thermostat, and also you should have a - going from bat to trans and - going from bat to frame/body

 

this has become very frustrating. i unplugged a plug right next to the distributer (not under though) that has one wire and the temp gauge still shoots straight up. also, before i switched out the circuit board on the gauge cluster the temp gauge seems normal. now that i swapped it out with a new honda one the temp gauge shoots straight up when i put the car into on position

i don't think the problem is the fuel sending unit because before i rewired led's to the gauges everything works perfectly. right after installing the led's all the gauges work except the fuel gauge. the fuel gauge would stay all the way up when in fact it should not be full. then later on the fuel gauge does not even go up at all it just stay all the way on the bottom. i'm not sure if this cause by me moving the needle with by hand or that i unplug and plugged in the fuel sending unit.

 

bump any help.

also i just plan to get another cluster right now, i found one that is exactly the same as mines. will i have problems with it? is everything plug and play? will anything need to be re-calibrated? will i be able to swap out the speedometer and mileage with that one?

 

Hi, best guess is your gauges are pooched, you need a new gauge out of another gauge cluster.

Helpfull hint, if you overtighten the small brass screws that hold the temp/fuel gauge in place you will wreck it, the gauge windings come undone when the brass gauge posts twist. Don't ask me how I know, but rest assured I do know, well ok, now you know how I know..........