Gauge cluster
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
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Gauge cluster
Hey guys. I have a 79 F150 shortbed. I like the gauge clusters with oil, water, and alt gauges in the cluster. Mine has just temp and the oil light and alt. Light. How far do I have to go to put one in and have it fully functional. And my alt. Light is always on. Any suggestions?
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,140
Likes: 5,779
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
1. put a multimeter on the battery with the truck running is it showing a charge? Then get the alt tested, sound like its bad.
I have read on here that to change from a idiot light cluster to needle gauges you need to change some dash wiring around.
Hang around some one will chime in with the correct answer, bet its fmc400...
I have read on here that to change from a idiot light cluster to needle gauges you need to change some dash wiring around.
Hang around some one will chime in with the correct answer, bet its fmc400...
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
It's a complete re-wire all the way out to the regulator. Not worth the effort considering the factory gauges are low-accuracy electric without any real numbers. You're much better served adding an aftermarket mechanical gauge set.
As said above, measure the voltage across the battery terminals with the engine running. To be clear, if your next post does not contain a voltage measurement (or a request for help in using a multimeter), I can't help you.
As said above, measure the voltage across the battery terminals with the engine running. To be clear, if your next post does not contain a voltage measurement (or a request for help in using a multimeter), I can't help you.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2014
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Ok I'll get out there and get that for you guys when I get out there to replace the climate control panel in a minute. Since I got the truck about 3 or 4 months ago it's been on. Same battery and alt. Since I've had truck. Keeps battery charged. I know one of the cells is going out in the battery.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,140
Likes: 5,779
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
Ok 1st ck sounds good, I am sure fmc400 with have a next step suggestion for you on why the light is on.
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
With the truck OFF, disconnect the voltage regulator, then turn the key to RUN without actually starting the engine. Does the light shut off now?
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MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
To be even more clear: RUN is the position of the key in which it rests when you're driving. As in, the position the key springs back toward after you start the truck. No one is saying anything about turning the key all the way to START.
Turn the key to the first "notch" clockwise, RUN, and report the state of the ALT light.