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Odd Electrical issue

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Old May 25, 2012 | 09:54 AM
  #1  
Moordoom's Avatar
Moordoom
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From: Greenville
Odd Electrical issue

I have a 2004 F350 4x2 DRW with the 2003 engine.
I have an odd issue with my Overhead console Compass.

Sometimes on startup the Compass Square is Blank, and has CAL right below it. Ok, not so strange yet.
But when this happens, I have a set of Column mounted Glowshift Gauges (Ext Temp, Fuel Pressue, and Boost), the Fuel Pressure and Ext Temp gauges will peg out or bounce around. Doesnt affect boost because it is mechanical.
The only common factor between the gauges and overhead console is that they get there lighting power from the Rheostat on the light switch.
It does this with head lights off or on and in the auto position.
Scangauge II reports 13.7V.

Not related question... Where on the cluster is the tow/haul light? My bulb is out and I need to replace it.
 
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Old May 25, 2012 | 10:21 AM
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Seems pretty clear that you have a shorted wire. Question is where. You said your gauges are column mounted, which I assume means steering column, not pillar column. Anything in the steering column is easily shorted, so maybe start looking there. Or try disconnecting all the gauge connections and see if the overhead console clears up. Could also be a short in the overhead console wiring, which runs up the passenger side A-pillar, and plugs into a connector behind the passenger kick panel. You could try unplugging that connector and see if the gauge problem clears up. You'll usually find a problem in the aftermarket wiring, but dang it could be anywhere, literally. A process of elimination is where you want to start.
 
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Old May 25, 2012 | 11:19 AM
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Pillar mounted, not sterring column. Sorry. I had the Compass issue before adding the gauges. The Compass thing could just be coincidence. Going to check where the wires for the sending units pass thru the firewall first, then try the plug in the kick panel.
 
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Old May 25, 2012 | 11:50 AM
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From: Whittier, CA
Originally Posted by Moordoom
Pillar mounted, not sterring column. Sorry. I had the Compass issue before adding the gauges. The Compass thing could just be coincidence. Going to check where the wires for the sending units pass thru the firewall first, then try the plug in the kick panel.
Okay, if they are unrelated, then see this thread for the overhead console. It is very very common, and is just bad soldering.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...-gone-out.html

And you know what to do with the gauges.
 
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