temp gauge help needed

my temp gauge is not working, is past the "blown engine" mark if you know what I mean and it won't move from that point no matter what. so the other day I went to Pepboys trying to figure out what was wrong and they told that the temp gauge cluster is not working and it needs to be repaired for $272 because it can't be replace, is this true can this part not be replaced or are they just trying to rip me off?????

I smell something.......

i would change the sending unit in the driver's side head first. if the wire that goes to it grounds out or if the spring loaded plunger inside of it is stuck, the temp guage will show the engine as overheating.

if the temp guage is stuck in the hot position while the key is turned off, then nevermind what i just said, your cluster needs to be fixed, or you could just buy an external temp guage and mount it on the dash

but can it be replaced??

you could find a used cluster from a junk yard or eBay and set the mileage yourself

I had the same problem but I took mine to my mechanic who does tons of work on my car , My cluster gauges electrical directional panel ( print panel ) had a burn in it , caused a small short in it and burnt the whole damn thing out , Started with the temp gauge though So yeah , Just pick up one from a junk yard or something for 50 bucks , pay some mechanic 70 to install it and be on your way.