so i got this car few weeks ago(1980 242DL) the gauges work but they dont give the right reading, like the fuel gauge shows that its at the middle when i actually ran out of gas and put $20 bucks and went all the way to full, and the temp gauge start goin up slowly as the car warms up but goes right before the red line at the top and stays there the whole time, also the miles doesnt register, but the speedo works fine i guess, any ideas what the problem can be or how to fix it?

 

Of all your problems, the coolant temp is the critical one. Verify the accuracy of the coolant temp reading. If it is indeed running close to the red line, you need to find the reason. I have a 1990, and I don't know the differences, others will chime in with first hand knowledge. These engines do not fare well if they overheat.

Best of Luck

 

Being an 80, the car is prone to wiring issues under the hood. Still, the fact that both the fuel and temp gauges read higher normally with greater resistance and lower with less resistance, I would check the multi-pin connectors on the back side of the instrument cluster. Poor connection or corrosion there will create exactly what you are describing. You have a bad connection, adding greater resistance to the circuit, causing erroneously high readings. This isn't to say your issue may be elsewhere...just a common enough spot to check it first.

 

okay ill check that tomorrow thanks for the info

 

As for the odometer, there is a little gear in the speedometer that always bust a tooth. It is about a 30 minute fix and a $20 little gear.

 

ok thanks ill look into that too, about to order the pcv valve and the hose that goes to the breather hose, pcv was missing from the car and no auto parts around here carry them so have to order it online

 

Also it might sound like a dumb question but how can I check the codes if I get any check engine light, I'm just curious

 

You can't check codes. That started with the LH2.4 Jetronic fuel injection system which started in '89. I believe you have the k-jetronic fuel injection system.

 

Ohhh ok so dont have to worry about cel sweet lol I just deleted the sond light too, took the box and wires and all that out