Gauge are the tools which help to display all types of information about its various system. This is displayed ate the dashboard of the car which is located at the backside of the steering wheel. This gauge can also help to get a piece of information if any of the car parts get damaged or not via a warning light. The number of gauges can be depended upon the model and make of the car.
The most common gauges present on the dashboard are speedometer, fuel, temperature, tachometer, oil pressure, voltmeter, and odometer. A modern car gauge is displayed via an electronic device that is connected with the sensors throughout the car. But it becomes a problem when all gauges drop to zero while driving. Follow the steps to know the cause and get a solution.
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Why All Gauges Drop To Zero While Driving The Car?
When one of the gauges get stops working, the problem may be either within the gauge or with the sensor itself. While all gauges drop to zero while driving will indicate due to the blown fuse or defective instrument cluster.
The main reason this happens are categorized into three-parts
1. None Of The Gauge Are Working
In the case of none of the gauges working, the problem should be due to a blown fuse or defective instrumental cluster. If all the gauges read very low, it is due to the issue in the voltage regulator that is attached to the instrumental cluster. Pegged gauges are at the highest possible reading due to problems in the instrument voltage regulator.
2. An Individual Gauge Won’t Work
In case of oil pressure, coolant, charge, or gas gauge does not work, the problem with the wiring or sender. Speedometer is unique and in some models of the car, they use the physical cable instead of a sensor. So sometimes the physical cable can break or strip gear can be one of the reasons all gauges drop to zero while driving.
3. One Or More Dashboard Warning Light Not Working
In the case of one or two bulbs blown out at first ignition, it can be due to a blown bulb. If none of the warning lights come up, check all the wiring connections with the instrumental cluster first. If warning lights come on and it stays after the engine start, it means there is a problem with the parts of the car.
How To Fix The Problem With All Gauges?
For fixing a gauge you just need basic handy tools along with lots of patience and of course following the steps explained below.
1. None Of The Gauge Are Working
The first step to diagnose the issue is by identifying the fuse connected to the gauges or instrumental cluster. When you turn on the key, there should be power on both sides of the fuse. Use a multimeter to test it.
Take the car to the mechanics in case you do not have any idea about the fuse. If you notice all the fuse are fine, open every gauge for power. This will require removing the instrumental cluster which will take lots of time and energy from you.
2. Steps For Fixing The Speedometer
The speedometer and odometer are part of the gauge. So it is collectively referred to as a speedometer. The speedometer stopped working due to the gear get worn out. Follow the below steps to get the solution of why all gauges drop to zero while driving
1. Disconnect The Cable
At first disconnect the negative cable from the car battery.
2. Remove The Gasket
With the help of a flat head screwdriver, gently pry the gasket around the edge of the face of your speedometer gauge away from the dash and remove the gasket. Without disconnecting the electric wires, remove the speedometer from the gauge carefully. Once you have removed the speedometer carefully notice the wire how it connect and disconnect it near the connection and pulling it free.
3. Removing The Screws From The Back
Lay the gauge face down on your work surface and remove the screws from the back of the case with the help of a flat head screwdriver. Once all the screws are removed, turn it face-up on the work surfaces.
4. Reset The Trip Odometer
Grasp the post that is used to rest the trip the odometer and slowly pull it from the gauge. If you feel any resistance, place the finger under the gauge. Now press upward where the post passes through and connect to the motor casing. The motor casing is the small plastic box-like container located at the backside of the dial. This will be separate from the housing of the gauge that contains a speedometer.
5. Remove The Speedometer Needle
Remove the speedometer needle slowly and turn the needle in a clockwise direction until it stops. Gently rocking the needle in froth and back direction. It is very easy to handle the needle and at the same time, you have to work slowly with properly taking the steps.
6. Unscrew The Two Screws
Unscrew and remove the two screws with the help of a small head screwdriver locate in the computer tool kit. Once the screw is removed, take off the motor casing from the odometer.
7. Resemble The Gauges Part
Pull the gear pod of the motor casing with the help of a small head flat screwdriver from your car computer tools kit. Place your replacement gear into the position and reassemble the gauge by placing it in a reverse manner of how you remove it.
How To Clean The Gauges?
Nowadays most of the gauges are electronic sensors, so they are cleaned only by the diagnostic technician. Although you can clean the plastic covering of the gauge from the outside as same as you clean the outer part of the car.
Conclusion
If you are careful enough you never face this type of complication in any situation. The amount of money you can save by doing the repair job by yourself if it is not a vital problem. In case you do the repairing by yourself, you can repair it with a very small amount and take some time of yours.
