volt gauge fixes?

Shorty

NAXJA Forum User
NAXJA Memorial Lifetime Member
has anyone come up with a relatively simple fix for the low reading volt meter on the dash? I'm sure there is something in the archives, but I'm having difficulty finding anything....
 
I haven't done it, but have read on here, running a separate ground wire from the gauge helps. JIM.
 
has anyone determined if it's actually a ground problem? It seems as though it is more related to the amount of current being used in other circuits associated with the under dash harness-- I was assuming it was high resistance reducing the energy getting to the gauge-- not resistance after it. Hmmmm-- I'm gonna have to start playing around with it and see-- I can't stand seeing a low reading and then trying to determine how low is really too low.
 
It's not a ground problem. In some cases perhaps it is-I ran a seperate ground and it didn't make a difference. It's the voltmeter itself and it really is only useful for relative change. I believe the magnet inside is held in place by glue and moves around a bit after 19 or 20 years.

Even when it does read 14 it's still not accurate. Turn on the blower and watch it drop to 12. Fantastic design running everything off the ignition switch. Which might I add is fed by a what 12 gauge wire?

Edit:Wouldn't this be more appropriate in OEM tech?
 
89CherokeePioneer said:
Edit:Wouldn't this be more appropriate in OEM tech?

probably, but then I'd have to modify the ground circuit and it'd be modified tech, then it wouldn't help and I'd start cursing and it'd end up in the den, so I figured the world tour could start here...... actually, I thought I posted it in the OE Tech, but I was in search function and ended up here by mistake-- that's why it took 3 days to respond....:jester:
 
Yes. I should mention, my fix to get it to read nearly accurate with no loads (because as soon as one is presented its inaccurate, except for the engine on) was to bring a battery to the JY and turn the key on and look for the one that looked like it was about right. Pretty half-assed, but previously mine was sitting at the top of the red mark with the engine on and battery voltage at 14.45 (DVOM verified)

It doesn't seem to present itself in the other gauges. Oil pressure is about right (with a new sender) and coolant temp is fairly accurate.
 
The 96 and older volt gauges are screwed into the cluster which fortunately enough can easily be modified to read voltage wherever you want. On the back of the cluster I simply cut the printed circuit and with some speaker wire and a couple of ring terminals I ran the new line down to the fuse panel (12 switched). Works great.
 
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