Possible earth problem?

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Sat Nov 01, 14 7:36 pm

With the engine running, when I turn the lights on, the needles on all the gauges go to max ( full tank of fuel, engine overheating etc ). Is this likely to be just an earth problem or could it be a wiring issue?

Demon James · Post by **Demon James** » Sat Nov 01, 14 9:58 pm

Mine used to do this when I first got my car, I ran a seperate ground wire from the battery to the dash cluster (A-Body dash) which helped but then the repeaters would light up on the dash when I put the head lights on. Eventually found poor connections from the multi pin plug to the dash cluster. I soldered all the pins to the PCB tracks (not the plug, that still unplugs fine) and that's cured everything.

I don't know the dash cluster that well in your car but it may be worth making a five volt regulator, I made one and that helped my fuel gauge too. I posted it on here but not sure how to link to it

Demon James · Post by **Demon James** » Sat Nov 01, 14 10:05 pm

It's just titled 5 volt regulator in this section

mopar_mark · Post by **mopar_mark** » Sat Nov 01, 14 10:19 pm

Demon James wrote:Mine used to do this when I first got my car, I ran a seperate ground wire from the battery to the dash cluster (A-Body dash) which helped but then the repeaters would light up on the dash when I put the head lights on. Eventually found poor connections from the multi pin plug to the dash cluster. I soldered all the pins to the PCB tracks (not the plug, that still unplugs fine) and that's cured everything.

I don't know the dash cluster that well in your car but it may be worth making a five volt regulator, I made one and that helped my fuel gauge too. I posted it on here but not sure how to link to it

Demon James wrote:It's just titled 5 volt regulator in this section

Here you go
http://www.moparuk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=47553

Mick · Post by **Mick** » Sat Nov 01, 14 11:53 pm

Typical mopar issues. I've yet to bring a car over, that i didn't have to fix the wipers, washers, fuel gauge and half the lights. Most of the problems are down to bad earths, crappy bulk head plugs, damaged or trapped wires. Although, saying that, the last V8 mustang i bought over was popping fuses left right and centre. It never ceases to amaze me, the bodges on these cars and that's coming from one of the biggest bodgers around. Lol
Mick

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Sun Nov 02, 14 11:34 am

Thanks guys

I'll have a play around and see what I find

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Sun Nov 02, 14 12:32 pm

I have one of these still in the bag with your name on it if you need it.

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Sun Nov 02, 14 1:25 pm

That's great Del, thanks.

I'll take it ( does it come with any instructions on how to attach it and what it's for? )

Just let me know how much you want for it

Thanks again

Nige

Demon James · Post by **Demon James** » Sun Nov 02, 14 1:44 pm

mopar_mark wrote:
Demon James wrote:Mine used to do this when I first got my car, I ran a seperate ground wire from the battery to the dash cluster (A-Body dash) which helped but then the repeaters would light up on the dash when I put the head lights on. Eventually found poor connections from the multi pin plug to the dash cluster. I soldered all the pins to the PCB tracks (not the plug, that still unplugs fine) and that's cured everything.

I don't know the dash cluster that well in your car but it may be worth making a five volt regulator, I made one and that helped my fuel gauge too. I posted it on here but not sure how to link to it

Demon James wrote:It's just titled 5 volt regulator in this section
Here you go
http://www.moparuk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=47553

Cheers Mark

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Sun Nov 02, 14 2:03 pm

Rebel wrote:That's great Del, thanks.

I'll take it ( does it come with any instructions on how to attach it and what it's for? ) ...........................

PLEASE TELL ME YOU ARE JOKING

Just let me know how much you want for it.................................

IT'S YOUR'S FREE OF CHARGE, PM ME YOUR ADDRESS AND I'LL POST IT IN THE MORNING

Thanks again

Nige

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Sun Nov 02, 14 6:07 pm

Pm sent

Thanks Del

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Tue Mar 10, 15 4:47 pm

Finally got round to fitting the voltage regulator given to me by Derek, put everything back together and one the fuel gauge only works when the sidelights are switched on
Everything else seems to be ok though, any ideas?

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Tue Mar 10, 15 5:08 pm

Your not an electrician.

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Tue Mar 10, 15 5:12 pm

Thanks Dave, but do you know what I've done wrong

Charger · Post by **Charger** » Wed Mar 11, 15 8:56 am

how about oil and temp gauge, do they behave the same?? only work with lights on

if so I would suggest your voltage reg is getting it’s 12v from the lighting circuit instead of ignition switched 12v