Buffalo Dude

Wow, I sure bubba-ed this one! :yesnod:

I was disconnecting my old radio yesterday when ZAP! One of the wires that I didn't know was hot at the time touched the metal center piece. :eek: This morning I fire it up and no temp reading. All other guages work fine, except for the clock, but that's never worked right. Could this have zapped only the temp guage? :confused:

wombvette

Check fuses first.

Desertdawg

I just want to know the list of words you used when the ZAP happened :lol: :lol: :lol:

Buffalo Dude

Kind of went like this:

ZAP!
Oh s***!!!
Stupid piece of s***!
No smoke, that's a good sign
Hope it works tomorrow.
Found the hot wire!

And it was indeed one less wire to check :yesnod: :lol:

Going to check fuse in the mornin'

LAvetteman

How about the radio? I think they are on the same fuse, check it. And ALWAYS disconnect battery when messing with wires. :yesnod:

Pedro'74

I think the radio is on a different fuse, together with the cowl induction system. Check if the hood door is opening.

-Pedro

Buffalo Dude

Hood door? I'm assuming you don't mean the hood itself cause that's a mechanical link. Am looking at elec diagram and can only find one fuse for all instruments, all work except temp gauge. Also have new radio in and it works fine.

Pedro'74

I mean the cowl induction "flap". The solenoid that opens and closes it is on the same fuse as the radio. (At least on the '74.)

-Pedro

Buffalo Dude

Thanks, i will be sure to check everything tomorrow. If it turns out fuses are ok, what else can i check or do with the gauge before i have to order a new one to replace?

Desertdawg

That sounds familiar :cheers:

72LT1Steve

Hey, now this sounds familiar!! :D Remember doing similiar "Doh's" in the past. One I really remember was when i was loosining the the positive cable to my battery with a larger cresent wrench and "Accidently" touching a metal part on the firewall. Needless to say some surprised and choice words were used after the immediate flash of light subsided :lol: :lol:

Buffalo Dude

:lol: :lol: :lol:

At least it was only 12v car battery and not 220v house current like what bence13_33 got :yesnod:

But seriously guys, can I rebuild the gauge or do I need a new one?
Just checked the eckler's cat and it was upwards of $60.

noskillz

and the fuse box is SO easy to reach on a C3 :rolleyes:

Buffalo Dude

You're telling me! When I have to work under the dash, I'm pretty much sitting upside down in the chair cause that's the only way I can get under there :crazy: :eek: