Idiot lights gauges 1986 COMANCHE 2.5L

[SLOTMAN]

How do I check to see if they're working especially the heat gauge light don't want to overheat and the light not coming on because it isn't hooked up or sending unit is bad how do I check each gauge that is truly working as it should any help would be appreciated 

[eaglescout526]

Ground out the connector at either sender. It will illuminate on the cluster. If not. Bulb could be bad. 
 

Or swap to a gauge cluster and get sensors for the two. 

[SLOTMAN]

Thank you for the reply much appreciated I'll probably be looking for a 1986 gauge cluster in the future we're aftermarket separate gauges thanks again

[eaglescout526]

No problem. 
 

As for 84-86 clusters, the thing I’d worry about is the printed circuit. The early ones are notorious for delaminating and separating due to age. Now this doesn’t mean you can’t find one in great shape. 
 

Now the pros to the early cluster is gauges are easy to swap and the tach has two versions. One for the 6 and the other for the 4 cyl. And the speedo cable is easy to remove while the cluster is installed. At least for me on my 84. 
 

Cons: delaminating printed circuit, engine specific tachs and limited availability of gauge parts. 
 

87-90 cluster pros, adjustable tach, volt, oil and temp gauges swap out with 91-96 years and a little bit more easily found. 
 

Cons, 87-90 Renix years with the fuel gauge as HO ones will not swap, cluster has to come out to pinch and pull speedo cable off. 
 

Just some food for thought. 

[Ωhm]

I believe both BRAKE & COOLANT are "Bulb Check" bulbs. Meaning both should illuminate during ENGINE START when KEY is in the CRANK position. Purpose is to make sure both bulbs test GOOD prior to every drive cycle.

[The86manche]

I happen to have a 3/4 cluster from an 85 cherokee that should work. It's in decent shape I'd sell.

[SLOTMAN]

What are you looking to get for the cluster and do you have a photo?

also some information on how to set it up, what sensors you would need to replace, maybe some part numbers? is it plug and play mostly?

if you have that information it would be appreciated

[eaglescout526]

Oh crap yours is an 86. There’s two different sensors for the temp in the head. 
I’ll get you some part numbers this evening but the oil sensor is pretty straight forward. MoPar still makes the oil sensor and would be the wisest route to go for that sensor. 
 

Otherwise everything is plug and play. 

[The86manche]

21 hours ago, SLOTMAN said:

What are you looking to get for the cluster and do you have a photo?

also some information on how to set it up, what sensors you would need to replace, maybe some part numbers? is it plug and play mostly?

if you have that information it would be appreciated

Because it's not in perfect shape I was asking $60.

[eaglescout526]

So heres the two numbers for the temp for 1986/87

 

J3242662 

8953004981 

 

Oil sensor

8953004550 which should supersede to a later Mopar number, I forget what it is.

[The86manche]

On 11/28/2024 at 10:21 AM, The86manche said:

Because it's not in perfect shape I was asking $60.

Let me know if you want it, someone else is asking about it.