gauge cluster not working, how to check?

[Pahighlander]

Well after starting with gas gauge sending unit I found I had no power coming from dash. I have checked the fuses and all ok. The car had an extra gauge cluster with it. How can I check the gauge cluster befor I remove the gauge assembly in the dash? Any ideas??

 

[Cranky]

It needs to be grounded to the car....if it's not, nothing will work right if at all.

 

[bluefury]

guage cluster check

How can I check the gauge cluster befor I remove the gauge assembly in the dash? [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

A rule of thumb when checking electrical circuits.... Always start at the feed source and work your way through the circuit.

I'm not sure what car your working on but most B-bodys use a circuit board to operate the guages, (except the amp guage). You need an ohm meter.
At the rear of the circuit board is a multi pin connector which feeds the functions of the circuit board, good place to start. There should be a copy of the dash schamatic in your service manual that will identify the circuit paths.
The temp guage usually gets it's feed from the gas guage, which gets a feed from the voltage drop regulator at the rear of the board.
I use a small multi meter with an audible signal that can be found at most hardware stores or radio shack for not much money. Great way to check electrical circuits.

Good luck....

 

[Basoline]

Also, the cluster has it's own voltage regulator. Could be broken...I circumvented it. Try this thread:

http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?t=2787

Good luck!

 

[Pahighlander]

Thanks

Ok, So if I check 12v going to regulator I should see 5v power going to the guages? Is there a way to check the gauges and does some one sell repo gauges? I will be purchasing the RTE regulator from the earlier thread post and im assuming Ill need the gauges too.
Thanks.

 

[pushrod]

Use a 6 volt hand lamp battery to check the gauges