Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'91
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
Q:
I have a
'91 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, which I bought new. It is now my daughter's car
and out of state. It has a 3300V-6 and gauge cluster. An attempt was made by
AAA to jump-start it with no success. The battery was replaced (it was original)
and now the tachometer doesn't work. She says it looks like the needle did a
360-degree. There is no separate fuse and it doesn't seem tied into anything
else because everything looks ok. I am really upset with the battery installer
as I think he was the cause. I have always kept this car in top shape. Can you
suggest a cause? Thank you for your help and your column.
- Frank
C.
A:
The fuse
for the tachometer is the same fuse for the gas gauge, voltmeter and charge
indicator. So, if the others are working the fuse is not the issue. The tachometer
is a solid-state unit that is not serviceable in most cases. Solid-state electronics
for the automotive industry is built for the rough ride, including voltage surges
that can occur when a vehicle is being jumped started or when the battery is
being replaced, in most cases. For damage to occur to the tachometer it is likely
the ignition switch was in the on position, because that's when electrical power
is supplied, while the jumper cables were being installed or when the battery
was being replaced. It is even possible that the tachometer was ready to expire
on its own. If you remove the instrument cluster you just might be able to coax
the needle for the tachometer back into place and it may even work. You should
also know that it's unlikely that a failed tachometer will affect the operation
of the vehicle.
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