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Topic: Gauge Gremlins

in Forum: C3 Electrical


Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/16/08 12:18am Message 1 of 11
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Joined: 7/24/2006
Posts: 48

Thanks to all the great help I received from you guys I was able to accomplish my major winter project and now have terrific brakes.

The other small winter project is dragging into another year. That is trying to get my gauges working correctly.
 
I replaced the clock innards and that is taken care of, but the water temp gauge I replaced is still not working. Additionally, the fuel gauge has now decided not to work either.
 
I have checked and re-checked all electrical connections and have replaced the water temp sender.
 
I get what appear to be correct readings from both senders. (variable resistance depending on temperature and fuel level)
 
Any ideas?????



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Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/16/08 9:26am Message 2 of 11
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Woodland, WA - USA
Joined: 10/14/2003
Posts: 1171
Vette(s): 1977 T-Top,350,Auto Black Ruby Pearl,Steeroids R&P conversion
you might check the plug that plugs into the printed circuit board of the instrument cluster the little copper contacts might move. if you have the diagram check the resistance of your sender from that connector, I beleive the temp sender is dark green. then you would now if it is in the wiring or in the instrument cluster


Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/16/08 11:22am Message 3 of 11
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Sorry, forgot to mention it's a 1969 Vette. No printed circuit boards.

Thanks anyway.



Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/16/08 5:15pm Message 4 of 11
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Check for good grounds on the gauges, too.
Where are you testing the sensor readings? At the sensor, or at the gauge/panel connector?
Since you've had the gauge cluster out(more than once, I presume), I'd lean towards a bad connection there, prolly on a ground circuit.
Also, make sure the fuse is good for the gauges, as the temp and fuel gauge use the same fuse.
Do you have a wiring diagram?


Joel Adams
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Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/17/08 5:05am Message 5 of 11
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Joel,
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll check the fuse first, then go on to the ground.
 
Ken



Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/17/08 6:12am Message 6 of 11
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Also, I have the EZ Wiring Diagrams and they are great.
 
Found the fuse to be okay.
 
I checked the wiring diagrams and the gauge grounds are common with the radio (which works) and the parking brake indicator light (which also works).
 
Looks like the center gauge panel wil have to come off again. (for the umpteenth time)
 
Thanks,



Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/17/08 4:42pm Message 7 of 11
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
Joined: 12/2/2003
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Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
Before you pull the gauge cluster, with the key on disconnect the sending unit wire to the temp sending unit and look at the gauge reading.  Then ground the wire and look at the gauge again.  One way, it shoud read max, the other way it should read cold.   You can do the same with the fuel gauge.  If they don't respond, pull the gauge cluster.  If they do, the problem is not the gauges.   Be sure to check the wiring from the gauge to the sending unit as well.kstyer2008-08-17 16:44:08


Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/20/08 2:24pm Message 8 of 11
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GOT THE GAUGES WORKING!!!!!
 
The water temp gauge has one of the four posts without a connection that is supposed to have an insulator on it. I had an insulated washer that wasn't totally insulated. I replaced it and both the water temp and gas gauges started working.
 
Talk about gremlins.
 
Thanks for everyones help.



Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/20/08 6:26pm Message 9 of 11
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CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - USA
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Vette(s): 1975 C3 Red, T-Tops, Black Interior. All I need is time and money! Getting there!
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Gauge Gremlins

Posted: 8/29/08 8:36am Message 10 of 11
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Pottstown, PA - USA
Joined: 8/22/2008
Posts: 7
Vette(s): 1979 Red on Doeskin L-48, 4-speed manual w/manual windows and locks, defrost and a/c, dual Flowmaster exhaust, 82k original miles [IMG]/member_uploads/11901_12000/11992/Pix-057200882984624r.jpg[/IMG]
Hey guys/gals, I have a related question...where IS the temp sender on a '79 L-48 motor? Mine stopped working all of a sudden. My oil pressure never worked since I've had the car but I figure it's the sender.
 
Thanks!
 
ku20022008-08-29 08:48:49


in Forum: C3 Electrical


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