Okay, guys. After having searched the forums here for a bit I couldn't seem to find an answer to this so I thought I'd post.
Recently I experienced some gauge problems. I'm driving along and my gauges climb to the top. They stay maxed for a bit but then release and go back to normal. This is the second time since I've owned the truck that this has happened to me. Here's what happened today.
I've been experiencing some engine cooling issues lately so I have been keeping an eye on my Temp gauge. At work I "topped off" my radiator. I've been doing some repairs on my coolant system and check my fluid levels often. By "topping off" I meant that I filled my radiator but left about an inch of space between the bottom of the neck of the radiator filling cap and the top of the coolant. In other words I didn't fill it to the top.
While driving home I saw that my Temp gauge was maxed out. After crapping my pants I pulled off the road to visually check my engine. There were some coolant drips but I chalked those up to clamps not being tightened enough. After having previously driven the truck on the freeway and not noticing any drips under the truck after having parked it, to have dripped as it did was strange. During my visual check I touched the upper hose. It was hot but not as hot as I would have expected with a topped out gauge. I could even briefly touch the radiator without burning my fingers. I tightened the "loose" clamps and started the truck again. The Temp gauge stayed in the middle of the normal range.
Thoroughly confused I pull back onto the road only to have my Temp gauge top out again at the next stoplight. As I drive the engine seems to cool down (gauge-wise) but heats up again at the next stoplight. As I was driving I happened to glance at my other gauges and noticed my Oil pressure gauge was showing my pressure was high. My Alternator gauge was leaning well into "C" territory and I had much more fuel than when I started my trip.
I'm not quite sure what to think. After seeing all this, I was looking at the gauge cluster again and notice a "release". All my gauges returned to where I would expect them to be, even my Temp gauge. I watched them drop back to normal.
Does anyone have any friggin' idea of what this is all about? Thanks in advance.

 

The fact all four gauges are 'acting up' points to a faulty ICVR (instrument cluster voltage regulator).

 

I assume you find that behind the dash somewhere?

 

Never mind. Found it. Thanks!

 

Correct, on the backside of the instrument cluster.

I believe it's about a $50 part so test it with a VM before buying new, it should pulse 5v every second or so if working properly. <!-- / message -->

 

Cool, Highboy. I really appreciate your help. Also, I should be able to drive the truck without my Inst cluster working, yes?

 

Sure, you just won't have Gauges is all

I'd recommend a set of aftermarket gauges anyway (oil, temp, volt) as the factory gauges are kind of 'sketchy' even when working properly.

 

I was thinking about some aftermarket gauges but I didn't know where to turn. It seemed Dakota Digital wasn't too Ford friendly.

 

.. Summit Racing and Jeg's offer gauges galore. Pick according to your budget or go with the best... Autometer.

I'd like to get a water temp gauge that flashes when the temp gets critical.

 

Yeah. That would be awesome.

 

Habeascoffee, Be sure that the body ,frame and engine are all well grounded, a weak ground will also cause the gauges to read high.
Kenny Nunez