Voltage meter problem?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2014
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From: N.E Oregon
Voltage meter problem?
Thank you guys for all the help so far, now I'm on to my next little problem with the Growler. This time it is the voltage meter that has a little problem. The problem is simply that it doesn't work...except if you hit on the dashboard above it then it "works". If you do not like the reading that it gives you, just give the dashboard another whack and it will give you another reading. I suspect a short or a loose wire, perhaps a bad gauge. Is this a common problem? Do I have to remove the dash to access this thing? Where should I start? Thanks in advance!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
My '89 has same basic issue. Constant 'wiggle' to the gauge. Never reads the same. I've had the dash apart, gauge out, check connections,etc. After 5 yrs, I just don't worry about it. I've changed ALT and battery over that time and never changed anything. Has to be something internal.
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,564
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
this is caused by a slightly bent needle on the gauge that is "sticking" when it rubs against the gauge face.
ford changed the gauge in my 88 three times when it was new before i said the heck with it. all but one of my 6 trucks did the same thing.
ford changed the gauge in my 88 three times when it was new before i said the heck with it. all but one of my 6 trucks did the same thing.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2014
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From: N.E Oregon
Thank you Tom. I think I will save myself some grief and simply let this go...but it still bugs me if you know what I mean.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: SW Florida
That would drive me nuts. If you think the needle is sticking against the gauge face, you can remove it with a fork. Just put a fork under the needle and pull straight off. Then re-seat it making sure you don't seat it so far that it rubs the gauge face.
You can also change the gauge mechanism out, it just screws onto the back of the face.
You can also change the gauge mechanism out, it just screws onto the back of the face.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2014
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From: N.E Oregon
That would drive me nuts. If you think the needle is sticking against the gauge face, you can remove it with a fork. Just put a fork under the needle and pull straight off. Then re-seat it making sure you don't seat it so far that it rubs the gauge face.
You can also change the gauge mechanism out, it just screws onto the back of the face.
You can also change the gauge mechanism out, it just screws onto the back of the face.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,533
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From: SW Florida
Not the whole dash, just the gauge cluster. Take the bezel off, remove the cluster, take the lens off it, pull the volt gauge out (it comes out as a unit with one other gauge, can't remember which), then you'll see 2 screws on the back which will let you remove the gauge mechanism from the face. You have to pry the needle off the front first, of course. Only takes 5 minutes or so.
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i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
you can also try just moving the tip of the needle off the face a bit.
i told the guys to just whack the top of the dash after starting the truck, and that worked fine.
i told the guys to just whack the top of the dash after starting the truck, and that worked fine.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2014
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From: N.E Oregon
I understand that Tom, and that would work for me if it stayed consistent but I get a different reading with each whack...sometimes higher and sometimes lower. I would like the darn thing to work consistently. Before I would replace it I would certainly try moving the needle.
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