Dash gauges low voltage problem

Question

My voltmeter has been reading low voltage for some time.  I removed the meter and hooked it up directly to the battery and the reading was good.(13.5v)  I then reconnected it and ran a new line for a direct ground.  Still low voltage. (11v)  The power to the voltmeter is daisy chained to all the other gauges.  I removed the line going downstream from the voltmeter but still llv.  The power comes from my front bay fuse terminal block.  If I remove the connector that supplies power to the gauges it reads 13.5v.  I ran a wire direct from the fuse panel to the voltmeter and it reads 13.5v  I know I have a drain somewhere but it is near impossible to work behind the dash.  Any ideas???

hottubkid · Answer

I would check the power relays and see the voltage drop accross them. They arc and have a bad connection

wolfe10 · Answer

Run a new/additional ground from the ground side of the gauges.  Remember, the electrons must make the ROUNDTRIP to the battery, not just from battery positive to gauge positive.

azrving · Answer

As hott said, see if its running through a relay. Also check each point that the circuit connects to. Its got a poor connection at one of those areas. If you can look up there with a mirror and flashlight look for dark areas on any terminals or multi pin connectors. Some times you can reach in and touch different ares one at a time while watching the gauge for movement. You may also feel hot areas.

fairgrove · Answer

I did run a new temporary ground and it did not help. My electrical schematic does not show any relays in the gauge circuit. I cannot look up from below because the way the dash is made. I do have an access hole from above but it is very tight and there is a great number of wires.

Dan

azrving · Answer

Yep, dash work sucks bad. No way to remove the cluster area or just get it to pull out some?

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Dash gauges low voltage problem

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