So... I need some help (more than just the psychological kind). I pulled the dash apart last night and managed to move the stopper on the tachometer. I pulled out the cluster gauge, but can't get the indicator knobs (not sure what you'd call them) off so I can pull out the circuit card. I'm hoping I can just move the stopper back in place and fix the problem rather than going back to the dealer.

Can someone give me some help?

Thanks,

lol

Pics of what I'm talking about. Hopefully someone is on here who can help. I'm gonna end up actually breaking something if I keep messing with it.

Thanks!

The car is like 1.5 months old...Why do you have the cluster out?

Honestly, I have no idea how to get it back to working...Sounds like a dealer might be your only hope. See if they can pull the trouble shooting guides for you for it and go from there.

I tinker. I can't help myself. I started pulling the dash apart to see about wiring in a sub and possibly replacing the LED backlights. I didn't do anything (not intentionally anyway), just pulled it apart and looked.

I MAY have fixed it!!! I'll update in a couple min when I get stuff put back together enough to test my fix.

While I'm sure there are plenty of people on here who are going to roll their eyes looking at this thread, but I GOT IT FIXED.

The motors that run the needles have a range limiter. since the connector is so small, it doesn't take much to slip the thread a notch, effectively moving the limiter into a new position. Pull off the needle, replace it in the correct position and it's as good as new. :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

lol Congrats on that fix!

can u take apart your HVAC next? im curious to see that up close:biggrin:

The tC2 gauge cluster doesn't have a temp gauge?

krazy: Thanks

speedy: [insert copious amounts of sarcasm] You're just so damn funny. :P

Iceman: No, no temp gauge. Just 2 lights. One while the car warms up and another in case it overheats.

:icon_mrgreen:

so no temp gauge thats weird. then again ours isnt exactly the most accurate so its all good. less crap to crowd the cluster.

i was about to say.. looks like you only bumped your needle and you just needed to remove and realign it..

here i was.. wondering what you were talking about when you said you moved a stopper..

Don't feel bad. I did the same thing 3 weeks ago. Just wanted to count how many LEDs I would need for the swap to another color. Needless to say, I now know that when I do the install, I will place a small piece of tape where the needles rest when off. Also, if I remember correctly, there are 43 plcc leds on the PCB for the gauges.

For those of you who are savvy with the led mods,

Maybe you could make a really nice write up with concept explanations and pictures!

I've always wanted to swap colors but am too ignorant on led's.

For those of you who are savvy with the led mods,

Maybe you could make a really nice write up with concept explanations and pictures!

I've always wanted to swap colors but am too ignorant on led's.


You and me both...

While I'm sure there are plenty of people on here who are going to roll their eyes looking at this thread, but I GOT IT FIXED.

The motors that run the needles have a range limiter. since the connector is so small, it doesn't take much to slip the thread a notch, effectively moving the limiter into a new position. Pull off the needle, replace it in the correct position and it's as good as new. :biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

i took apart dashes on few of my vehicles. moving the arm around 'til you get it bak to the right position is the usual fix. gz & gj =)

umm... there are actually plenty of led resources both on and off this site.. a few even explaining the basics on how to do an led swap..

the only minor difference is that fact that you're applying that knowledge onto a different circuit board... but it has the same exact leds anyway.

here's a nice place to start:
(posted by engifineer and stickied in the 1st gen tC section)
http://scionlife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88829

just make sure you use a low wattage soldering iron. Don't want to burn through the components. My first swap, I did not pay attention and was using a 30W only to discover I was no good at it. Got online and searched for a little while and saw where more experienced people were using higher wattage soldering irons and recommended a 15W for those who are not as experienced... <-- me... Needless to say, after a short drive to Radioshack w/o my gauges, at 8:45PM (They close at 9), I got all the materials I needed and it was a breeze. But then again, I had a small (very small) amount of soldering experience before. Thanks highschool technology class...

Im wondering why you waited that long to pull apart the dash :)...I have tore into all of my brand new Scions as soon as I get them home from the dealership...Thats what happens when Randode lives 15 minutes away...Keep tinkering and enjoying what your doing...