84 E350 dash problem,,

[77Casual]

Hi, The fuel, Gas and water temp gauges sometimes peg on high in our old 84 E350. If I rap on top of the dash a good one with my fist they will start working again. I had the dash out and cleaned the wire terminals where the wires plug into the dash, didn't fix it. Could this be a ground problem or is the dash cluster going bad?


Tom

[westend]

77Casual wrote:
Hi, I put a new voltage regulator in the dash and now the fuel gauge barley goes to 3/4 full when tanks are full and at 180 degree coolant temp the needle goes about 1/4 of the way up the gauge. Is that normal on these things?

Tom

It is if you installed a regulator that has a different voltage output. The gauges rely on a change of resistance in a sensor to measure at the dial. Change the voltage but keep the same resistance and results will be like you have.

[77Casual]

Hi, I put a new voltage regulator in the dash and now the fuel gauge barley goes to 3/4 full when tanks are full and at 180 degree coolant temp the needle goes about 1/4 of the way up the gauge. Is that normal on these things?

Tom

[77Casual]

Thanks for all the info!!!

[j-d]

Class C Forum Thread where problem was the Cluster Regulator

[beemerphile1]

I had a similar problem with crazy gauge readings. Adding new ground wires between the engine and body solved the issue.

[johnhicks]

There's a voltage regulator behind the cluster that wants to be replaced

[j-d]

If I remember, there's a voltage regulator ON the back of the Cluster. It may have failed. At least find it, pull it, and clean its contacts to the Cluster.

Also, try to figure out where the Cluster itself is Grounded and verify it's good.

There's a recent post here about false over temp readings, and it was a cluster problem. Look through recent activity here in Class C and you should be able to find it. That OP might have suggestions.

I know the Ammeter in our 1983 E350 went out. I didn't research it. Installed a voltmeter and relied on that. I don't think it uses that Regulator, but if I recall, the three you mention (Fuel and Temp) do.

[77Casual]

Today I ran a heavy ground wire from the engine to the body. Maybe that will help.