|
|
||
| The Problem | Is Caused By | What to Do |
|
|
||
| Coolant Temperature Gauge | ||
|
|
||
| Gauge reads erratically or not at all | Loose or dirty connections | Clean/tighten connections |
| Defective sending unit | Bi-metal gauge: remove the wire from the sending unit. Ground the wire for an instant. If the gauge registers, replace the sending unit. | |
| Defective gauge | Magnetic gauge: Disconnect the wire at the sending unit. With ignition on, gauge should register COLD. Ground the wire, gauge should register HOT. | |
|
|
||
| Ammeter Gauge – Turn headlights ON (do not start engine). Note reaction. | ||
|
|
||
| Ammeter shows charge | Connections reversed on gauge | Reinstall connections |
| Ammeter shows discharge | Ammeter Is OK | Nothing |
| Ammeter does not move | Loose connections or faulty wiring | Check/correct wiring |
| Defective gauge | Replace gauge | |
|
|
||
| Oil Pressure Gauge | ||
|
|
||
| Gauge does not register or is inaccurate | On mechanical gauge, Bourdon tube may be bent or kinked. | Check tube for kinks or bends preventing oil from reaching the gauge. |
| Low oil pressure | Remove sending unit. Idle the engine briefly. If no oil flows from sending unit hole, problem is in engine. | |
| Defective gauge | Remove the wire from the sending unit and ground it for an instant with the ignition ON. A good gauge will go to the top of the scale. | |
| Defective wiring | Check the wiring to the gauge. If it’s OK and the gauge doesn’t register when grounded, replace the gauge. | |
| Defective sending unit | If the wiring Is OK and the gauge functions when grounded, replace the sending unit. | |
|
|
||
| All Gauges | ||
|
|
||
| All gauges do not operate | Blown fuse | Replace fuse |
| All gauges read low or erratically | Defective instrument regulator | Replace instrument voltage regulator |
| All gauges pegged | Defective or dirty instrument voltage regulator | Clean contacts or replace |
| Loss of ground between instrument voltage regulator and car. | Check ground | |
| Defective instrument regulator | Replace regulator | |
|
|
||
| Warning Lights | ||
|
|
||
| Light(s) do not come on when ignition is ON, but engine is not started | Defective bulb | Replace bulb |
| Defective wire | Check wire from light to sending unit | |
| Defective sending unit | Disconnect the wire from the sending unit and ground it. Replace the sending unit if the light comes on with the ignition ON. | |
| Light comes on with engine running | Problem in individual system | Check system |
| Defective sending unit | Check sending unit (see above) | |
Unique visitors to post: 5
Discussion
No comments for “TROUBLESHOOTING BASIC DASH GAUGE PROBLEMS”