Gauge problems I replaced the cluster on my 1996 e320 after that the car wont read temperature, rpm, mph, and fan is on after u open the switch at all times , brakes lights are on , abs , esp, check engine too . So what can I do at this time or need to go straight to the dealer

How are you determining it's over heating ? Going by the temp gauge in the instrument cluster ? Did you hook up a scan tool to view coolant temp sensor parameters ? What the PCM - engine computer is seeing . Use a infrared thermometer to see what the engine temp is for real .


Do the cooling fans work ? If fans work an temp is in spec's , by scan tool an infrared thermometer testing the instrument cluster is faulty . GM had problems with stepper motors inside the instrument cluster model years 2003 to 2006 . The stepper motor is what drives the gauges .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTm2oDx-_GM

The PCM commands Low Speed Fans on under the following conditions: • Engine coolant temperature exceeds approximately 106°C (223°F).
• When A/C is requested and the ambient temperature is more than 50°C (122°F).
• A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1 310 kPa (190 psi).
• After the vehicle is shut off if the engine coolant temperature at key-off is more than 140°C (284°F) and system voltage is more than 12 volts. The fans will stay on for approximately 3 minutes.
The PCM commands High Speed Fans on under the following conditions:
• Engine coolant temperature reaches 110°C (230°F).
• A/C refrigerant pressure exceeds 1 655 kPa (240 psi).
• When certain DTCs set
When the request for fan activation is withdrawn, the fan may not turn OFF until the ignition switch is moved to the OFF position or the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 10 mph. This is to prevent a fan from cycling ON and OFF excessively at idle.

This is why you take your vehicle to a qualified repair shop . They have the knowledge an tools to diagnose correctly . Not just start replacing thing's not needed .

check that the correct wire harness is fitted to the correct plug on the back of the cluster assembly or that they are pressed on fully. see if resetting the CPU with a coder reader will make any differences. I imagine that you replaced the cluster with the same unit and not from a different year or model.

Pull off the negative battery cable and unplug the sensor. See if the gauge needle returns to normal. Try tapping on the cluster to unstick the needle. No luck? Replace the temperature gauge.

I would either go to a shop or buy a Infrared Thermometer and check the temp of the radiator and the upper radiator housing temp, that's a nice car and expensive to repair, but to blow the engine it would be worth nothing

This is due to a problem with the gears in the gauges; there was a manufacturing defect that ford fixed in later years. The cheapest solution is to replace these gauges. I found a local mechanic that knew how to fix it, and did the job for $30 a gauge. I recommend checking craigslist for a local person, because this is a very common problem.

Post on 11-05-10 by the hawks has the same issue as I have with the same vehicle and wondering if there were any solutions.

That is a manufacturing defect associated with your instrument cluster. My local dealer replaced my entire instrument cluster for free (truck was out of warranty) when my speedometer showed 100 mph in a parking lot and my oil pressure gauge read 0.

First I think the there is poor contact on the plug behind the cluster, but when I see your mention about the needle shaking then I think it needs to replace. I just check on ebay selling for $99 and it is a good price. It is easy to replace. Once the instrument can be pulled out, there are only 2 things to be disconnected: a speedometer cable can be unscrewed and a big plug for all electrical connection to be pulled off. Good luck.

hello,good day,maybe your cluster nearly damage,send to your dealer,they have a testing procedure(simulation all the gauges), to determine if your cluster is defective,ty

How do I locate the sensor on a 2003 A4 1.8L? I see a blue sensor on the right by the firewall, and a green sensor on the left nearer to the battery on the left. Is it possible that I already have a green sensor in my car?