So, I was changing out the lights in my instrument cluster (87 GL Coupe, EA82 Carb, originally automatic, converted to manual), worked great, no issues. All the gauges still worked, the only thing I unplugged was the speedo cable. So, I put it all back, went to move the car, and noticed the gauge was pegged (full), so I checked to make sure I hadn't bumped it, like I've done on the coolant and oil guage, but it's range was still normal. So, I turned on the car, and it didn't change. However, if you move the gauge, by hand, to the "E" side of 1/2, it will fall to that side's end of travel. If you move it to above 1/2, it will rise to strait up (past full). If you get it really close to 1/2, it stays put.

 

I checked the wires, to see if I had bumper them, they all look ok. I jiggled it around, no change, so I tried unplugging it (the connector), and the gauge goes all the way up, from where ever the needle starts.

 

Any ideas on what I might have done to it?

 

Note: I did try searching, but didn't see anything similar.

Edited October 13, 201213 yr by Dj7291993
Added Note.

Anybody? Any recommendations on where I should start for testing? Anything? Please?

I might have fixed it, but I won't know for sure 'till I get to the next fill up. I think the needle twisted on the spindle, so I popped it off and put it back about where it was before. It seems to dip a lot more when I go around corners, but it does go back up. I'll update when after I fill it up this coming week.

If you removed the Front plastic screen from the instrument cluster and Moved the Needle up, it will do something similar to your description...

 

I already answered this question in the other thread about the instrument Cluster, but basically talking, the solution is to place the needle back again to the place it was pointing before removing the Cluster, when you place it again back in the car.

 

Kind Regards.

It sounds to me the meter got tied to a voltage it shouldn't have and pegged it out. Disconnecting the wiring to it should allow the meter to go back to the resting point. The gauge may be damaged now.