Voltage gauge stopped working completely

[davidk]

The needle is pegged at what would be 9 PM on a clock (completely off the dial) and doesn't move. Battery and charging are OK.

Any ideas what to check first?

Thanks!

David

 

[fixxxer]

my 1st guess would be a bad gauge

 

[davidk]

How to check it?

Hi Fixxxer,

Any suggestions on how to check it - is this an easy thing or does it involve dismantling the dash?

Nice to see you have an older Explorer. I'm a big fan of the 93 XLT 4X4, especially with the 5 speed. Mine has 217K miles on it and is starting to show its age, but still runs strong and everything works (except the voltage gauge).

David

 

[fixxxer]

I'll get you a flow chart after I get home this eve, it will help you troubleshoot that system

 

[geoph1986]

My gauge has done that ever since I've had the truck. I know this isn't a true fix, but when it does that I give the cluster a solid knock right over the amp gauge and it starts to work properly again. This happens to me about twice a week.

 

[micklskot]

I've had the exact same problem with mine. When I hit a good bump on one of the canyon roads around here, it comes back to life. Really intermittent on when it decides to work or not.

 

[94EddieBauerRock]

I've had the same problem with mine. It will work about every other time I start it. I haven't worried about it. I assume it is a bad gauge because it works normally about 70% of the time.

 

[mikeinri]

I had the same problem and "fix" (knocking it). Eventually, I got it replaced. I think the mechanic said that he had to remove the dash.

Mike

 

[fixxxer]

on a first gen, all the gauges are modular (plug and pray) but you do have to remove the dash or at least a good part of it to get to the modules

 

[davidk]

NOW it works - go figure

Driving around this evening in what passes for torrential rain in Sacramento, the voltage gauge suddenly started working again.

Thanks for all of the feedback. Now I won't panic when the gauge stops, and starts, and stops, and starts and...

David

 

[MikeLitt3810]

the gauge is an easy fix if you have time.. disconnect the ash tray, pull out the dash hell i don't have mine in anymore.. to many times of pullint it out.. i'll take a pic in a few moments.
about 15 torx screws.. again i'll include all this in the photo b/c mine is apart at the moment. and drop in new gauge after cleaning contacts. good time to replace the dash bulbs is at this time.. as well this is when i roll back the speedo to be emission exempt..

VV locations of the torx head screws to access the gauges..

Once you have these covers off just pull out the gauges one at a time.. start from putside to center. you should not need to remove the speedo. it's a pain unless ya done it b4.

Good Luck!!

 

[WC Loc]

Nice thread! Had the same issue - an intermittently working battery guage. I quickly was able to tear apart the dash and swap out the model from the junk yard.

Worked like a champ!


THANKS.