So the genius that i am i decided to put some white face gauges in my car. After being told by the sales person at the store "do not pull the needles off just slide the face over them" I pulled the needles off . Ok big mistake, Now i got a problem they move like theyre sticky or something sometimes they dont move at all. I find i press in the face and the needles go to where theyre supposed to . Can anyone help.

99 2.2. 5 speed

oh and i drive a cavalier

From a few other posts that I've read, they say the same as the sales person. Cavalier (and I believe Sunfire as well) Needles aren't supposed to be taken off.

I believe the motor or whatever is extremely fragile, and can break easily....

I'm not sure what the problem is, but I'm thinking your guage cluster could be broken...

If that IS the case, you'll need a new cluster... which is an easy swap from what I've read.

To directly quote the FAQ section:

"7. How do I put in my new gauge face?
Take careful note of your needle positions. Search the forum for various techniques on this - you should record values at different RPM levels as well as when the car is shut off. Once needle positions are noted, remove your gauge cluster - there are directions for removing the gauge at the link in 1.B.i to Team Forward Motion. They have very in-depth instructions for removing your gauge cluster. Once removed, you're able to install your new gauge face. If you own a 2k+ model, DO NOT REMOVE THE NEEDLES. It's been tried, and many people have ruined their clusters (it's possible but the risk involved is VERY HIGH). Save yourself the trouble and slip your gauge face over the needles! Needles on 99- models can be removed, but if you can slip the gauges on without removing the needles, go for it!"

Location of this information: http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=45&i=25036&t=25036&start=0

Good luck on figuring things out!





I know it's JUST a Cavalier, and I'm sorry if I hurt your ego.

well i had the same problem in my 95 sunfire it turned out i just pushed the needle on too far..not a big deal just took them off and put them back on...now for finding the right place for them thats easy..wait till the morning so your car hadtime to cool off...take all the needles off and put the temp down at the bottom and then start your car....put the tach where it usually goes 1000 rpm or so and the spedo at 0 on the pin..the gas is the only bitch i just went to the gas station filled up and at the station put it where full is ruffly..worked for me so far.hope this helps..phil

He has a 99, so I don't think his gauges are broken. Chances are that the needles are on too tightly and are catching on the gauge face. Pull them up a little bit.



- Interior FAQ -
J-Body of Michigan -

Just pull them up. As far as I know, its only in the 00+ series that you shouldn't remove the needles.