'83 Ram Gauges moving around a lot

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N.Cass - 28 Oct 2004 23:53 GMT

I have noticed here lately that the gauges (temp, oil, and fuel) are
sometimes reading higher than normal. I have seen them sometimes jump to
the high side of the gauge then come back down to normal. The usual
readings are Temp: 3 marks from "C", Oil: 2-3 marks from "H" while
cruising. But lately the temp has been 3 marks from "H" and Oil is
almost full scale (right). My first thought is something is wrong with
the motor, but I have seen them all come down at the same time at the
same rate, which leads me to believe there is something wrong with the
gauge cluster. The fuel gauge also jumps about 3 marks when the other 2
are moving.

Can anyone point me in the right direction as to where to start looking?

Thanks for your help!!!

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Nick

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maxpower - 29 Oct 2004 00:01 GMT

Possibly the voltage limiter behind the dash is faulty, assuming the
charging system is not going into an over charge state, The voltage limiter
maintains 5 volts to the gauges

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler tech

> I have noticed here lately that the gauges (temp, oil, and fuel) are
> sometimes reading higher than normal. I have seen them sometimes jump to
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Thanks for your help!!!

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N.Cass - 29 Oct 2004 01:39 GMT

> Possibly the voltage limiter behind the dash is faulty, assuming the
> charging system is not going into an over charge state, The voltage limiter
> maintains 5 volts to the gauges
>
> Glenn Beasley
> Chrysler tech

Where is the voltage limiter located? Is there any way to test or
replace it? Thank you for the quick reply! I do not believe the charging
system is overcharging, from what the alternator gauge says. When truck
is stopped and lights are on it is actually discharging just a little.

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maxpower - 29 Oct 2004 18:25 GMT

its behind the dash, if you are going to take the dash apart and check it,
just replace it

> > Possibly the voltage limiter behind the dash is faulty, assuming the
> > charging system is not going into an over charge state, The voltage limiter
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> system is overcharging, from what the alternator gauge says. When truck
> is stopped and lights are on it is actually discharging just a little.

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Ramworker - 29 Oct 2004 01:46 GMT

You're correct. My '82 Ramcharger has done this periodically since new and
its never caused a problem. It's been much discussed on the Mopar boards
and some magazine articles. There's a way to convert this mechanical unit
to full electronic but it's never caused me enough grief to consider going
to the trouble of fixing it.

> Possibly the voltage limiter behind the dash is faulty, assuming the
> charging system is not going into an over charge state, The voltage
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>>
>> Thanks for your help!!!

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