C2 Corvette
Calibrate Fuel & Temp Gauge Needles
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This information was written for a 1965 Vette but should apply to all 1963-1967 Vettes. Only thing different will be wire color and you will need to substitute correct wire colors. |
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*** You be the judge --- I have heard from a few that using below did NOT work for them and the pointers were off a little BUT others and I have used and pointers were correct *** |
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I used the word "CALIBRATE" but also could have used "SET", "ADJUST" or "CHECK" so substitute whatever one that seem to work best for you. |
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Calibrating Fuel Gauge Needle
There are 3 terminals looking at the
back 3, 6 and 9 o’clock. The 6 o’clock is mounting and grounding stud.
With the 6 o'clock stud grounded apply 12 volts to the BLACK/PINK wire (3 o’clock) and ground to
TAN wire (9
o’clock) the needle should go to FULL mark (exactly),
then reverse the wires (3 & 9 o'clock) it will go to EMPTY (or lower). Be careful when pulling the needle and gently press when reinstalling as those old core movements get pretty fragile in the years. |
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Calibrating Temp Gauge Needle There are 4 terminals looking at the back 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock.
The BLACK/PINK (12 o'clock) wire feeds a
constant 12V to a coil in the gauge, and the other end of the coil
is connected through the GREEN (6 o'clock) wire to the temp sender.
The temp sender contains a
thermistor (variable-resistance element)
whose resistance to ground changes with temperature. As the
temperature goes up, the resistance goes down, increasing current
flow through the coil to ground, which moves the needle to the
right. This calibration is to get pointer (needle) set and does not include temp sender which when connected may not produce accurate results. In Car -- (To see if gauge is working correctly) With the key in "on"
or "accessory", disconnect the DARK GREEN wire at the sender - the
gauge should peg to full cold (infinite resistance). Then ground the
sender wire connector to the engine, and the gauge should peg to hot
(zero resistance). Bench Test Three wires are needed. Ground 3 o'clock or cluster if mounted Then Apply 12 volts to BLACK/PINK (12 o'clock) Should read COLD Then Ground DARK GREEN (6 o'clock) Should read HOT ** note ** 9 o'clock not used To calibrate pointer (needle): Be careful when pulling the needle and gently press when reinstalling as those old core movements get pretty fragile in the years. |
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