Doesn't seem likely but maybe...

[M G D]

I'm cleaning up a recently purchased '93 YJ & I've run into a question with the fuel guage. I had the gauge "cluster" pulled out while cleaning the dash & I physically moved the fuel guage needle from empty to full. Now the guage needle doesn't change position as it should when power is put to the guage cluster. The needle basicly holds any position I move it to within the normal range of the guage. The needle moves freely but with a slight resistance that hopefully suggests the guage mechanism isn't broken. I havn't had time to check the fuel sending unit or the rest of the guage circuit. Think its just a nasty coincidence or did I ruin my guage? Is JC Whitney a good source for a guage if I need one? I priced OEM gauges & judging from the price they are very proud of them. Thanks for any comments you can spare. I joined the forum a couple of weeks ago and have really enjoyed reading the comments and viewing the videos. I will appreciate any suggestios or comments. Thanks. MGD

 

[SteelHeadz]

Test it with a multimeter. Check the resistance on the terminal between poles. It should change resitance when you move the needle.

 

[Sine Deviance]

I did that by accident on the speedometer in a '91 Eclipse GSX I used to have. Moving that needle was a very bad thing to do. Once you move it and it's off even the slightest bit, getting it calibrated back to the correct point is like trudging through all nine circles of hell. I ended up having to replace the entire cluster to get it right, and clusters for a GSX are not easy to find because of the built-in boost gauge. At least it ended up being cheap (junkyard.)

I say replace it. If you can, just buy an OEM gauge cluster from a Junkyard or E-Bay. That really is the cheapest route. You might as well replace all the rest if you go with an aftermarket gauge, that way the gauges will match. It'll be expensive though. Gauges for cars are never cheap. :-|

 

[Operation 4x4]

Once you move it and it's off even the slightest bit, getting it calibrated back to the correct point is like trudging through all nine circles of hell.

Man that made me laugh so hard, hahahahaha