DIESEL AND TEMP GAUGE

[chrisf1]

Hi again everyone I have a 1988 Mk3 crew-cab spec-lift recovery vehicle, the wiring is a total mess and in all honesty could probably do with a new loom, everything is working lights horns indicators brake lights etc. but not the diesel gauge or temperature gauge I have checked the fuse and that is okay so can anyone give me a clue where to start I would not be averse to wiring them direct with new wires if this is possible and it really would not matter if they worked without the ignition permanently on and working. I have looked beneath the thermostat cover which is where I believe the heat sensor is located and there are 2 wires going there I have only ever seen 1 before and if you earthed it the gauge should go to the top but with 2 I don't really know what I am doing any suggestions gratefully received thanks Chris

[Timbo]

The fuel gauge and the temp gauge are fed from a voltage regulator so that they read fairly constant irrespective of battery voltage. It sounds like yours is kaput. It has 3 connections and is mounted on the back of the instrument cluster. Some are in a small rectangular case that pushes into slots in the cluster. It takes its supply from the ign feed to the cluster so if your ign warning light is working normally then you don't need to look for blown fuses just get another Instrument Voltage Regulator.

[Jim Archer]

It'll be the voltage regulator in the gauge unit - it feeds both gauges, but they burn out/stop working. 'tis a common issue with Fords of that age.

You can bodge it by jumping the terminals - seem to remember I just bent a contact on the Transit I did it to, but the gauges will react to every change in current draw, so tend to read high with headlights off, and low with the headlights on.

Soon get used to it mind.

When you first get them going again it's a good idea to do it with the gauges still apart, as they always seem to be full of dust with burns off for a few seconds and stinks the cab out.

Jim

[chrisf1]

Thanks for the replies everyone and this sounds likely to be the problem, does anyone have any advice on removing the panel, is the voltage regulator a dear part as I would prefer to have it working as it should if possible. Many thanks again Chris

[chrisf1]

I have just been in touch with Dageham Motors and they have quoted £53.50 +VAT for this regulator and say it cannot be bought seperately any suggestions or has anyone got one known good they would sell me thanks Chris

[chrisf1]

hi can someone tell me where I will find this regulator try to post pics hope it works well it seems to work but I can only imagine I have to replace this unit am I correct thanks Chris

[Timbo]

It should be on the back of the whole instrument panel.

[chrisf1]

Hi again everyone here is a pic of the rear of my instrument panel could someone point out to me where the regulator is thanks Chris

[chrisf1]

JUST ADDING ANOTHER PIC TO IMPROVE VIEW BUT THEY NEVER COME OUT THE SAME AS PHOTO BUCKET THE PICS ALLWAYS HAVE ONE SIDE SHORT BUT IF ANYMORE ARE NEEDED TO SHOW ME WHERE THIS REGULATOR IS PLEASE LET ME KNOW BECAUSE I CANNOT FIND IT THANKS CHRIS

[chrisf1]

I hope I have got it all this time sorry for the cock ups I am as good with computers as I am with transits thanks Chris

[Jim Archer]

On the actual gauge unit itself there should be a wee black rectangular component that is on the power feed side of the 2 gauges.

For a replacement you could try somewhere like RS/Maplins, but I've never bothered as it's usually been fixing up an old sh***er, or if something more worth it I've put another gauge set in.

Are you actually getting power to the gauges? With the head/clocks unit connected, bridge the connections to the Temp/fuel gauges and see that they move - it'll be quite slow. You will need the engine warm or the sender unit connetion earthed to the motor for the temp gauge to operate.

HTH

Jim

[chrisf1]

Hi Jim i think i will bite the bullet and replace the gauges would a petrol one work the same way by way there is no black triangular thing in the gauges but there is a small black thing somehow attached on the fuel gauge side and it is definitely connected can i assume that is it Chris

[AlanN]

Get a grip guys, this a MK3, not one of ya fancy MK5...

[AlanN]

Ok I'll help...
you won't find any regulator on the back of the MK3 clocks, as it built into the pair of dials... So if both have failed, you need to check that the assembly is being feed by (black/green pin 5. 12vdc) which then feeds both dials.
The negative supply is feed by :-
FUEL(blue/black pin 4 -vdc supply) and
TEMP(red/white pin10. -vdc supply)
Check this with you AVO meter on VDC and the ignition on, Im not sure what volts you get, as Ive never measured it. If the volts are OK, then you need to change the pair of dials, easy enough to do, just 4 nuts on the back of the clocks.
Please let us know how you get on.

Yes MK3 petrol ones will work, same assembly, different speedo

[captain hook]

I should have a set in the "cave" if you need them