Strange Gauge Problem???
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
Likes: 0
From: Casa Grande AZ
Strange Gauge Problem???
Hey!
I spent the last couple days driving the Vette and took in a couple shows (came away with 2 - 1st place trophies too :D ). This entailed about 350 - 400 miles of driving. Soon after I left I noticed I was running 20-30 degrees hotter than usual. I topped off the coolant but it didn't seem to help. The gauge would get up around 220 sometimes and then drop to 190 fast. So I figured it must be the thermostat. I changed that on the side of the road and no change.
OK, now here's the wierd part. Whenever the temp gets hotter, the Battery gauge startes bouncing all over as well (always on the posative side but from 0 to +40). When the temp gauge shows cool, the Bat gauge is fine and steady.
So now I'm thinking it must be a ground problem that's effecting both gauges and that the engine isn't really getting hot. Anybody agree with this? Anybody know the specific ground that may be causing the problem?
Thanks!
I spent the last couple days driving the Vette and took in a couple shows (came away with 2 - 1st place trophies too :D ). This entailed about 350 - 400 miles of driving. Soon after I left I noticed I was running 20-30 degrees hotter than usual. I topped off the coolant but it didn't seem to help. The gauge would get up around 220 sometimes and then drop to 190 fast. So I figured it must be the thermostat. I changed that on the side of the road and no change.
OK, now here's the wierd part. Whenever the temp gets hotter, the Battery gauge startes bouncing all over as well (always on the posative side but from 0 to +40). When the temp gauge shows cool, the Bat gauge is fine and steady.
So now I'm thinking it must be a ground problem that's effecting both gauges and that the engine isn't really getting hot. Anybody agree with this? Anybody know the specific ground that may be causing the problem?
Thanks!
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 514
Likes: 44
From: Toronto Ont
Re: Strange Gauge Problem??? (lbell101)
On my 79 there is connector with several wires that feed the circuit card on the gauges. This connector sometimes loosens and will cause all or some of gauges to do crazy things. Make sure it is pressed on correctly!
you can access this through the passenger side panel whithout taking it out just by reaching up and pressing the connector against the gauges. :cheers:
you can access this through the passenger side panel whithout taking it out just by reaching up and pressing the connector against the gauges. :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Strange Gauge Problem??? (lbell101)
I"m on dialup, so I didn't d/load your pix, but guess it's a 71 from the names...if so....you have a main 3 wire plug on back of one gauge, it has a ground spade for most of the gauges...make sure it's snug...the other end is up above the driver's kick panel, large square hole in cowling...7/16 or 3/8 bolt cap....black wire...ground....could try make sure about the bulkhead connectors below the master cylinder, and that the bolt is tight...hard to tighten and someone could have gotten lazy and left it loose...
GENE
GENE
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,660
Likes: 3
From: South Central Louisiana
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Strange Gauge Problem??? (mrvette)
Hey Larry, the 71's dont have a circuit plug like the 79's mentioned above. Its strait wires, and yes I am almost positive you are dealing with aloose ground, where, is the question. :cheers:
