Shorthorse
Well-Known Member
I'm surely not the first to do this but I wanted to share this. Circuit boards can be costly but I think I've found a simple solution to one issue, loose or broken pins.
Eyeglass screws. The pins are hollow and pressed onto the board. There are usually 4 split holding prongs that can be seen on the back of the board. The pins can become loose over time by strain but especially by the strain of removing the stubborn connector when working on the gauge cluster. As I mentioned, the pins are hollow. Finding the correct size screw in very important. If it's the correct diameter it will screw into the pin and not expand it. Make sure the screw head is wide enough to catch the board surface. The screw threads will cut their own threads into the soft metal pin. I sometimes file a tiny point on the tip of the screw to help get it started. Again, if you have the correct size screw, it will pull the pin tightly onto the board. Final testing with a good volt meter will tell you if you have a good connection. Most cluster housings have a relief where the connector/pin is located but, if during installation there is a clearance issue between the screw heads and the gauge cluster housing, use a thin piece of insulating material to prevent shorts.
Eyeglass screws. The pins are hollow and pressed onto the board. There are usually 4 split holding prongs that can be seen on the back of the board. The pins can become loose over time by strain but especially by the strain of removing the stubborn connector when working on the gauge cluster. As I mentioned, the pins are hollow. Finding the correct size screw in very important. If it's the correct diameter it will screw into the pin and not expand it. Make sure the screw head is wide enough to catch the board surface. The screw threads will cut their own threads into the soft metal pin. I sometimes file a tiny point on the tip of the screw to help get it started. Again, if you have the correct size screw, it will pull the pin tightly onto the board. Final testing with a good volt meter will tell you if you have a good connection. Most cluster housings have a relief where the connector/pin is located but, if during installation there is a clearance issue between the screw heads and the gauge cluster housing, use a thin piece of insulating material to prevent shorts.
