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Having some trouble with an instrument cluster (89 ford bantam), The fuel and coolant temp gauge does not work. Upon stripping up the cluster, I have found that the voltage regulator/stabilizer is blown (melted up). I cant see any numbers or specs on that regulator because its all melted up.
Does anybody know what voltage the gauges need inorder to work? I can get a new voltage regulator from my local radio service shop but they would need some sort of reference to work with (part numbers, etc).
I have tried google searching for info, but everybody has different voltages which is leaving me quite puzzled, some say 5.7v, some say 6v, some say 9v. The repair/workshop manual I have for this vehicle does not give any info on this.
Also if your voltage is lower then it should be your gauge reading will be low if you raise engine temp to normal operating temp and your gauge is low you will know that your supply voltage is to low
I went to the radio services shop, i got a 6v and a 9v regulator..
Fitted the 6v regulator on, grounded the guage - it only moves until halfway.
Fitted the 9v regulator on, the gauge moves until a little under the max mark.
With 12.02v the gauge goes a little above the max on both gauges (coolant temp and fuel)
Im guessing 11v will work out. Any suggestions?
The ground leg on the oem regulator was not connected (or maybe it was burnt out im not sure as theres no signs of a ground being connected) so I also noticed that with the ground disconnected on the regulator, theres a 300mV added to the regulated voltage (doesnt show a noticable different on the gauge though)
Ok so I got everything hooked up, started up the vehicle and waited for it to get to operating temp +- 90degrees..
The fan kicks in, I then check the coolant temp gauge (was excited) it was at about just under quarter (maybe about 30degrees..)
Disappointed!
I will replace the sender switch and try again, Im kind of leaning against that right now (the vehicle was parked off for quite a long time and the oil sender switch is also not working)
If that does not work, Are there more options or should I just get another cluster?
Test your oil sending unit i believe this will be a single wire design on this car bot sure what spec is but if you check resistance to ground when engine off vs engine running there should be a difference there to tell you if the sending unit is working or not if sending unit is working try the input at the cluster to see if you have same signal there
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