Hello, so like many others on here I am looking to do an sr5 cluster swap from my base model cluster. Found one in a salvage yard far from me so they sent me pics of it. Cluster was pulled out of an 85, but in the pictures I noticed the fuel gauge is sticking up to full

Fuel gauge up to full but everything else is down like normal
while everything else is down like normal. Would that be an indication the the fuel gauge of that cluster is busted? Or am I just being paranoid?

 

The fuel gauge on the SR5 gauge clusters stay at the position where they were when you shut off the key.

If the fuel tank was full when the key was shut off for the last time before they removed the cluster, than it looks just fine.

There is no guarantee that everything works, but at least the fuel gauge doesn't look out of place.

 

Nice thanks for the input, I was gonna be pretty bummed. I've been finding ones that cost an arm and a leg where I am located lol.

 

You can easily remove the clear plastic and wet sand with either 3000 grit wet/dry paper, or use one of those headlight restore kits. The only thing to avoid touching with bare hands is the actual faceplates on the various gauges.

 

Nice to have the trip odometer numbers readable. Mine have faded away. Read that is a common issue. The regular mileage numbers look like new. Trying to find replacement wheels or someone selling cheap a totally crapped out instrument cluster.

I would remove the back side case and spray clean all the contacts with electrical contact cleaner since you have it off.

 

I've been looking for replacement decals for the trip meter but have had surprisingly poor luck. I don't mean 10 little squares with numbers, but a single long strip. I found them for some domestics, but no Toyotas.

 

You are going to want to rake it apart from the back and electronic spray clean al the contacts and check the small wires for proper connection. My SR5 cluster lilke that on my 86 SR5 had a dead temp gauge. 1st time opening trhe back and saw a small wire solder joint came lose. Soldered it and good to go.

Use plastic polish to buff the front cover. Good thing is the trip odometer number are still new looking, Mine have faded completely away. Still works but no numbers. That's a common issue. The regular odometer don't suffer thjat fate

 

Just checked my cluster exactly like that in an 86 and the fuel gauge stays up at what ever the gas level is with ignition off.