1986 Toyota Xtracab SR5 instrument cluster

Has anyone removed the instrument cluster and worked on, tested, diagnosed or repaired a failed or failing instrument? 

My water temp gauge will randomly go from what appears to be normal engine temp to pegged at the top just below the red bar.  If I tap hard on the clear bezel at the temp gauge it will bounce back down to where it appears to be sensing the correct coolant temp.  But then will pop back up to the red bar. 

I curious if this is something that can be repaired by myself with basic test tools/instruments or would it require a specialist like instrument cluster repair companies advertised on the web?

I have not yet installed my AutoMeter gauges.

Gnarls.

gnarls

havent pulled apart a cluster. but could the needle be binding on something.

RUGER

gnarls

havent pulled apart a cluster. but could the needle be binding on something.

RUGER

I have never examined a gauge from an instrument cluster.  But yes, the needle could be binding.  I will take the cluster out of the dash if its not connected to something too serious and look at the temp gauge.

Good suggestion.

Gnarls.

Or just reflow the solder (maybe add a little flux) on the iffy looking connections.

I had to reflow some connections on my home sound amp  (sometimes some channels worked, other times they didn't)............

The wrong sensor will cause that condition, the idiot light style on the gauge style did that to me.

Rocksurfer....

Interesting.... so I have replaced the temp sensor, at least a couple times in the last 2 years. 

So I need to look at that sensor and make sure it's the correct part for my engine?

At this moment I don't remember the manufacturer of the sensor that is in the engine.

I will do some research on that and buy a new Toyota part.

https://parts.longotoyota.com/oem-parts/toyota-temp-sending-unit-8342020020

Thank you for your input!! 

Gnarls.