IPVR changes in the cold?

[motzingg]

I've noticed my gauges being kinda wacky in the morning since it has been a cold snap here in NC but I have had my dash light out (blown fuse) for a couple weeks and since i drive into work in the dark, haven't really paid much attention.

I replaced the fuse last night, and driving in this morning at 25 degrees, i noticed all my gauges were reading low by about 1/4 of sweep. So either i've got backwards oil that gets thinner (oil pressure drops) and someone stole a quarter tank of gas last night, or my IPVR is acting wacky in the cold.

I mean, it is a mechanical component, but is it likely to change that much going from 40 deg (yesterday afternoon) to 25 degrees?

Has anyone come up with a solid-state IPVR yet? I want to keep my original gauges and use original sensors where possible, but if i can't trust them i'll have to install back-up gauges anyhow.... seems like the whole getup would work just fine if the connectors/terminals were all in good shape, and there was a reliable solid-state voltage regulator supplying the juice.

[guhfluh]

I vaguely remember reading that it is a 5v reg? If so, that should be fairly easy to source from an electronics or computer store. Mounting and wiring would be up to the end user though. 12v to 5v regulators are fairly common I believe, just maybe not as common as 24v to 5v.

[Nitekruizer]

When I bought my truck it was already an old truck. I did drive it for the first couple of winters. Even at temperatures of -25F to -30F all of my dash gauges worked normally. It just took a bit longer for the engine to warm up, so the TEMP gauge would read lower for a while.

I've never had to replace my IPVR.

[motzingg]

hmm good info there, i'll check this weekend and see what the voltage is. If it is in fact 5v, that is super easy, very common chip, can't remember the name but it is an all-in-one 12v to 5v regulator (SCR) that you hook up a couple little capacitors or something. I've used them before.

perhaps there is a market? sounds like these don't go bad much, but when they do... its nice to have reliable gauges either way.

[guhfluh]

Check the engine to chassis ground wire just because. It isn't very big and has to carry all of the electrical load if the battery isn't grounded to the chassis as well(stock isnt). I've been thinking of adding to mine with an alt/battery/engine to chassis ground, even after replacing my stock one with a better wire and eyelets.