99 camaro base 3800 series 2 v6/ standard 5 speed/ 114,700 miles.

Ok, So here's what's going on with my car :

The instrument cluster has a mind of it's own. Once in awhile it will just cut in and out while driving. I have also noticed the needles bouncing slightly while the ignition is in the accessory position when I listen to the radio.

Another issue with the cluster is the fuel gauge doensn't work and always reads full. The next issue is the oil pressure gauge doesn't ever go down all the way when you turn the ignition off and remove the key.

I have also noticed the oil pressure gauge jumping when I hit the button to pop the hatch open.

Another concern of mine with the cluster is all the extra warning lights that come on and then go off when you start the car. There's a light that says low traction and a few others, but my car doesn't have traction control at least not that I'm aware of.

What is the cause of these issues and what can I do to correct these issues with the instrument cluster ?

The only other issues are whining power steering and the engine has a slight tapping noise after it warms up. It seems to increase with rpm and sounds like it's coming from the lower end.

I have not been driving the car since I noticed the tapping noise and will not until I can fix it. I have been told that tapping is normal to a certain extent, but I don't want to destroy my engine.

Any help, information and advice is greatly appreciated.

 

The gauge issue sounds to me like a bad ground. Check behind the kick pannel to make sure you have a couple wires bolted to the chasssis. Also remove the cluster to make sure that the connection in the back has not come dislodged from its holder. The cluster just plugs into the back of the dash and not on a harness so to speak. The lights are all normal, there is one cluster for v6 and one for v8 cars and they all have all the lights wether the car had the option or not. Like you I dont have T/C but I have the low trac light.

Wining PS is usually time for a new pump, air getting into the system from a leak, fluid too low.

The 3800 is notorious for a slight tapping sound... but not from the lower end. A lifter will make a tapping sound but if it is a rod it will be more like a rythmic hammer on something hard sound called a knock. This is bad and it could lead to a new engine. I had a main bearing spin on my engine and that took out a rod bearing and now my car has a new engine. The old engine didnt break on me but it was just a matter of time till it did. Check the oil and see if there is any metalic looking stuff in it. If so look around your local wrecking yards for new engines. If so let me know and I can give you some insight on what engines you can use. I put a 2001 Pontiac Bonnevile 3800 in my 1999 Camaro, you dont have to just use Camaro/Firebird engines.

Massey

 

Thanks for the help, info, advice and suggestions. I'll have to check out the ground for the cluster. As for the engine, I have found a few engines, one is a 3800 v6 from an 01 buick regal, and there's a 3800v6 from a 96 bonneville. Then there's a 3800v6 from a 97 camaro. Will these engines work ?

 

yes they will all work but with the Regal and Bonnevile you will need to change the Harmonic Balancer, Flywheel, oil pan, intake, the heater hose manifold, and the exhaust manifolds. The Timing cover and water pump are the same as are the knock, crank and cam sensors. The Camaro engine will be a near bolt in all you have to change it the throttle body from the cable driven to the electronic.

Massey

Oh yea check the engine harness you will prolly want to use yours over the new one if you get a new one.

 

Ok, thanks man ! I have owned more hondas than anything, I'm new to camaros. I'm learning quick though !