While driving to work today, I noticed that the gas needle is showing that I have empty tank, even though it's 3/4 full. After closer examination it turned out that the needle is on the wrong side of the restraining pin (the one on which the needle rests when the engine is turned off).

So it looks like the needle somehow did a 360-degree turn but it did not return to the original position. When I turn the engine off, the needle moves slightly counterclockwise, but it definitely does not do the reverse 360-degree turn.

Is it something that can be fixed easily or should I take the car to the shop?

Another thing which I suspect might have caused it, is a weird sound when starting the engine. Shortly before the engine starts, there is this sound coming out of the right and left side of a dash and it reminds me of a circuit switch going back and forth. I am quite sure this is coming from under the dash, rather than the engine compartment. On top of that, I also noticed that while starting the engine, the light in the gauge cluster is turning on and off pretty much with the same frequency as the mysterious clicking sound.

After a couple of clicks the engine starts. Any idea what might be the cause of this weird behavior? Is it the battery (the car still has its OEM battery) or something else?

Thanks,
Mickey075

 

Mickey075,

I had the same problem with my gas needle. Someone on the org sent me the instructions for removing the instrument cluster, I did it and removed the needle and placed it back on the right side. The car runs perfectly, never had the problem again.

Mike