Gauges acting weird

[CandyPants]

So when I bought the truck the gauges worked fine...with the exception of the odometer. Now, the one on the left (fuel level, temp, oil, Pk.B and CHG) is not working (all the needles are at 0), but has the CHG light on. It is still backlit when the lights are on, so there's power to it. Also, the truck got a new battery just before I bought it because the PO said his wife killed it by leaving something on. Oh, and I drove it a good 40 miles last night and there was no loss of electrical or lights dimming.

My question is, how to I check the gauges to see if it's them not working or determine if I have an alternator issue? Also, can the gauges be repaired, or do I have to replace the whole panel?

I know it's a pretty basic question, but I am new to all this truck fixin' stuff. Any help is appreciated!

 

[Ming89FJ62]

Heather,

You need a manual and VOM to check whether or not your getting power to the gauges. First off - check all fuses! And don't just check visually ohm them out with a meter to make sure they're good.

From there you'll need to pull the dash cluster and start checking for voltage or continuity to the dash devices - here's where the manual is invaluable.

Electrical gremlins just take time and patience to solve.

Pigs are simple beasts - just take your time.

Harry

 

[CandyPants]

OK, I got everthing working. I realized that the heater was out too, so I switched out fuses (I just went ahead and replaced them all) and voila, working gauges.

So now, here's the issues. The darn fuse blows all the time! It will go maybe 2 days and poof, it blows.

Again, probably a dumb question, but why would it do that? I do know that the alternator is weak and I have a replacement I need to install, but I didn't think that would matter since there's a regulator in line (and that is apparently new...still very shiny looking).

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ming89FJ62]

Heather,

Sounds like you've got a short cuicuit somewhere. Probably a wire or two w/ torn insulation. This isn't going to be the easiest to troubleshoot. BTW which fuse did you end up replacing?

Since you already know the circuit that's affected you have the starting point. Starting at the fuse block you'll have to check each wire or wire branch, device and connector out to the last device(s) on the circuit both visually and w/ your meter. My guess is that you'll find a wire abraded insulation that's making intermittant contact w/ the frame/ground that's blowing your fuse.

Good luck and enjoy the "quality time" getting to know your rig.

 

[toddslater]

I would look very closely at your Alternator and Regulator set up. Are they aftermarket ? Is the alternator wired in correctly (ie. any cutting and splicing going on there or adaptor plugs into the alternator) ? Cheap ass Peep Boys alt and regs are just plain junk and should be avoided. Check and clean your grounds as well. Also, check for any PO splicing and tapping into the harness in the area of the fuse block. All of these things that I mention above have caused the same or similar symptoms (in a couple rigs) that your having. I also had the fuse block get smoking hot to the touch until I found a PO murder with splicing and back feeding. Good luck and as Ming said patience.