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Electrical Inicator Problem

Old Dec 8, 2015 | 03:41 AM
  #1  
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Smile Electrical Inicator Problem

Hi,
I have a 1978 F100.


The indicators were working fine.
Then when I went to go out again the indicators no longer worked?
However the four way / hazards, lights and brake lights work fine.
I also noticed the fuel and temp gauge were not working as they were either.


I have not had chance to look at it yet.
But thought may be some one else has had this problem?
I am hoping some will tell me its the fuse?
Hope its not something that turns out to be impossible to find.
I need the truck at the week end.


Thanks,
 
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Old Dec 8, 2015 | 01:52 PM
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Grounds, grounds, grounds! Check your dash grounds, fuel pump ground.. (Tank area). Battery ground cables, + and -, yes, the fuses also.

Pardon my ignorance but what are you calling the "indicators?" The turn signals?
 
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Old Dec 8, 2015 | 02:19 PM
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Check the flasher too. There is a separate one for the turn signals and hazards. I have the same issue and have it pretty much narrowed down to a ground issue, so +1 for that idea.
 
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Old Dec 8, 2015 | 03:41 PM
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I believe the OP is referring to the dash cluster.


It's likely the IVR - instrument voltage regulator. EZ to replace. Ford VOLTAGE REGULATOR - DASH - 57-79 Truck, 61-67 Econoline list - CG Ford Parts
 
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Old Dec 8, 2015 | 05:27 PM
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Where is the IVR located?
 
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Old Dec 8, 2015 | 06:50 PM
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Behind the gauge panel/instrument cluster.


Example. Ignore the red circle. The image is hot-linked from another site.:


 
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Old Dec 8, 2015 | 10:32 PM
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That's one thing I didn't check on mine, thanks!
 
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Old Dec 9, 2015 | 03:01 AM
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Smile

Originally Posted by Filthy Beast
Grounds, grounds, grounds! Check your dash grounds, fuel pump ground.. (Tank area). Battery ground cables, + and -, yes, the fuses also.

Pardon my ignorance but what are you calling the "indicators?" The turn signals?
Yes by indicators I mean turn signals.
I always have to remember what other countries call things.
Makes it interesting though!
 
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Old Dec 9, 2015 | 03:05 AM
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Conclusion, kind of

Hi Guys,
thanks for all your replies.


I took a look tonight and they came good.


Which is good and bad.
Good that there working.
Bad, not sure what fixed it?


I only cleaned a few things and disturbed the wiring.
So if it happens again I wont know for sure what it is.


If I get through next week I will take a good look and maybe remounting things.

Is the regulator for the tank level and temperature issue?


How difficult is it to take the gauge cluster out. I really need to clean the Perspex screen up?
(If it Perspex?).


Thanks,
 
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Old Dec 9, 2015 | 08:48 AM
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It's clear plastic.... sometimes plastic polish is what it takes. If it is foggy, the best solution is to replace it.

Easy to replace and intuitive once you get into it... Check your connections while your're at it.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2015 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by HIO Silver
I believe the OP is referring to the dash cluster.
HIO - Thanks for the clarification.

Yes, the temp and fuel voltage as well as the gauge cluster are controlled by the ICVR. It sends out a square wave pulse of ~ 5.0 volts so it's difficult tp check with a meter. It will fluctuate at times, too - from nothing to full up readings. It's also adjustable - HIO's picture (#6).

I suspect while fiddlin' and diddlin' behind the cluster face you disturbed a ground or the ICVR - made a better connection - or played with some bulbs by accident that made a better connection. Recheck your grounds again- engine to frame, frame to battery, cluster to dash, cluster connections (that 18(?) point pin that goes into the plastic circuit board), the plastic circuit board itself, etc.

Did I mention to check your grounds? HAhaha
 
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Old Dec 9, 2015 | 01:59 PM
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For what it's worth...

The ICVR does not power the turn signal indicators. The ICVR powers only the fuel, temp and oil gauges, if equipped.

Using an analog volt meter will allow you to see the on / off / on cycling of the ICVR. Just be sure to ground the ICVR whenever it is powered.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2015 | 02:08 PM
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Roger: Thanks....I knew that but fergot something along the way...didn't read it all, I suspect.....too many moving parts with only two fingers to type...................
 
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Old Dec 9, 2015 | 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by Filthy Beast
Roger: Thanks....I knew that but fergot something along the way...didn't read it all, I suspect.....too many moving parts with only two fingers to type...................
Two fingers?? You must have taken the advanced typing class.
 
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Old Dec 9, 2015 | 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Roger Carter
Two fingers?? You must have taken the advanced typing class.
Yeah, I did...got a dye-ploma for it and everythang..but I still can't type......qwerty, and don't know the number for 911.
 
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