03 Sunfire all dash gauges gone beserk!

[Terry_D]

My first post so help me out here. 2003 Sunfire..25X miles...tach started giving inaccurate readings....then came fuel gauge (3 days later)...then temp and speedo....Complete mayhem behind the dash!! 100 mph/1000rpm/fuel gauge needle against speedo/0 temp!!!!!..Going to dealer Mon (11-28-05)...What can I expect from them?....Thanx for any experienced mechanic responses....Will report back

[matt09524]

If you drive around without a drive belt long enough, that will happen. I did not know my tensioner had gone bad and threw my drive belt so I drove around. A couple days later (I guess) my meters started acting screwy, then one by one lights started coming on.

Also, a loss of your power train control board can cause this as well. Just a couple real life experiences I had.... If your check engine light is on, have the codes read.

[Terry_D]

Finally got the Sunfire back. Pontiac had it for 2 days, but solved the problem with a new dash cluster. Situation normal. Hopefully this might help someone later.....Terry

[matt09524]

Did they happen to mention what exactly went wrong? Im curious to know what is in common with all those meters that would cause all of them to go haywire (besides a common ground)

[Terry_D]

So the dash cluster was the problem, took 1 day to get a replacement. I was told by the tech manager if one guage is unstable, check sensor, sure! If 2 or more are unstable....replace cluster...not worth the expense to debug. I have no idea what the real problem might have been. Pontiac warranties that item 12/12000!

[undersc0re]

Originally Posted by Terry_D

So the dash cluster was the problem, took 1 day to get a replacement. I was told by the tech manager if one guage is unstable, check sensor, sure! If 2 or more are unstable....replace cluster...not worth the expense to debug. I have no idea what the real problem might have been. Pontiac warranties that item 12/12000!

I fix mine every now and then with a swift smack on the dash just above the steering wheel, usually straightens the gauges out for a few months untill I have to do it again! Cheaper.