gauge ideas to fix intermittent gauges

[Joshpow]

will do fordman. got new fuseblock with the blade fuses but ill check it all out. thanks for mentioning the ground. that just might be a problem. at least worth a try. also might explain dim dash lights.

[Joshpow]

guys i still got intermittent gauges on the ol 72. checked cluster plug and fuses and ground. all seem fine but gauges still come and go. i was wondering if the voltage stabilizer on back of cluster could be the problem. also, if the gauges go out could i cross it over to see if they come back without hurting gauges. i know the readings wouldnt be perfect but just to see if they come back. if so ill replace. anyone know how it comes off the circuit board? mine looks kinda like it clips but is stubborn and dont act like it wants to unplug. thaks fellas.

[fordman]

are all of the gauges doing this or does the amp gauge still work but the others dont? if all of them are going out. then the problem is with main power to the whole cluster. . and its not a cluster problem. since the amp gauge does not use th ipvr. so it would be possibly ignition switch alternator regulator wiring. in and up around that area. that is the best i can tell you.

[Joshpow]

amp gauge never workedever. doesnt even move the needle. so i dont know. thanks for the idea. guess ill have to throw meter on it when it gets bad enough to actually catch it in the driveway with gauges giving trouble. so far they work in the driveway just nowhere else!!

[fordman]

i didnt think of that. the amp gauges in our trucks never do really move. unless something is really wrong or its over charging. when it does it you will want to see if the meter is getting power or not. then check to see if the rest of the gauges are getting power or not.

[Joshpow]

where u think i oughta check for power? where power goes in the cluster u think is good start point?

[fordman]

yes that is where i would start looking first after i figured if the amp gauge had power to and from it.

[Thunderfoot]

yes that is where i would start looking first after i figured if the amp gauge had power to and from it.

Just and FYI the Amp Gauge is totally separate from the other gauges in all respects (power in and out) so don't use it for any trouble shooting of the other gauges. It doesn't even have to have the key on for it to work, it is on all the time!


I would suspect your problem is either the IPVR on the back of the cluster or a bad ground connection from the engine to the cab...

[Joshpow]

well cab ground is ok cause lights on dash good and everything else works. dont think cluster ground affects gauges being the negative side of gauge goes off to sending units. ipvr is prob it. or cluster ckt board. it has new development. gauges work early in morn while cool. after work i get in to no gauges after cab gets hot sitting in sun. drive almost home(15 miles) and they come back. getting predictable to do that each evening. has last 3 days! so i guess have to tear out cluster in work parking lot and throw meter on it. thanks for ideas guys.

[Joshpow]

I changed the ipvr and cleaned the cluster today. Lots of dust and grime in there! The ipvr was crusty looking so couldnt have hurt. checked the ground and all looks to be grounded. it is grounded same spot as my intermittent wipers and they work so shouldnt be the problem. At least i got a squeky clean cluster now!! Now for the moment of truth to see if it works next hot day. On vacation this week so my after work trip to parking lot with no gauges after a day in the sun aint happening for few more days so may be slow getting answer!!

[Mach428]

IF you checked the fuse feeding the gauge circuit (smallest 5amp I believe) by using a test light, it could fool you. This happened to me - the light lit up when pushing the sharp pointed end at both ends of the fuse, BUT when released, there was enough corrosion on the fuse connectors within the block to prevent a good connection at the fuse.

Point being, my gauges would work intermittantly. I removed the fuses, took a battery terminal cleaner (small wire brush end) and clean all the spades on the fuse block. Problem fixed.

[Thunderfoot]

IF you checked the fuse feeding the gauge circuit (smallest 5amp I believe) by using a test light, it could fool you. This happened to me - the light lit up when pushing the sharp pointed end at both ends of the fuse, BUT when released, there was enough corrosion on the fuse connectors within the block to prevent a good connection at the fuse.

Point being, my gauges would work intermittantly. I removed the fuses, took a battery terminal cleaner (small wire brush end) and clean all the spades on the fuse block. Problem fixed.

Mach428 was this for the Gauge Operation or the "Gauge Lights" as there is not a fuse the Gauge Operation... There is a 2amp fuse in the fuse box for the Gauge Lights though...

Joshpow's issue is with the Operation of the gauges not the lights...

[Joshpow]

Yeah and all fuses are good. I swapped to a newer blade fuse block and all fuses are good. Didnt think there was a fuse for gauges only. Crazy thing is this is heat dependent. After a day in the sun no gauges. After little cool air from the vents blows areound under dash they come back. Still got problem after gauge cluster rebuild.

[Thunderfoot]

NOTE: I combined these 2 topics as they are the same thing going on...

[Mach428]

Sorry, I didn't read the entire post. My problem was gauge lights and yes there was a fuse for that so I stand corrected