Only voltage gauge works

[Guest]

'76 TR. Didn't I read somewhere here that there is a voltage regulator for the gauges? What should I check first?

 

[TexasKnucklehead]

First, I'd check to see if the wipers work. Perhaps the fuse is out? There is a stabilizer that should have 12v on one side (Terminal B, the dark green wire) and about 10v on the other (Terminal I, light green) -with the key on. Make sure the stabilizer is grounded too. The stabilizer is only for the temp and fuel gauges.

 

[DNK]

It's attached to one of the big gauges ,Billy

 

[TR3driver]

Actually, you'll never see 10 volts from the original "stabilizer". It's output is either full battery voltage, or nothing, and it switches back and forth such that the average is about 10 volts.

Not that it really matters, just didn't want you thinking the new one was defective. Some aftermarket "electronic" ones actually put out 10v, but the original didn't.

 

[hondo402000]

were they working and all of a sudden quit? the speedo and tach are mechanical, only the gas and voltage or amp gauges and temperature gauge are electrical, in dan masters book it tell you how you can test the gauges but most likely a fuse or the stabalizer, could be a wire worked loose

Hondo

 

[dklawson]

Billy, what exactly is the problem? It is unclear from the subject line and your question.

Yes, the electrical gauges do operate off a 10V supply as Randall described but what does that have to do with a voltage gauge? A volt gauge is typically wired directly to the "green" wires which operate at battery/charging system voltage (nominally 12V).

So what isn't working?

 

[DNK]

I got it from his post that the only gauge that was working was the Volt. SO no fuel,temp,or oil?

 

[hondo402000]

oil gauge wont work unless the engine is running and is a mechanical unit too, at least on mine its mechanical 71, turn on the key to the on position and the only gauge that will move is the volt meter showing battery voltage if you have an amp gauge it will do noting unless you have current running thru the gauge like starting the car or turning on the lights, and the fuel gauge will slowly climb to show the fuel level, start the engine and the oil pressure will move, hopefully or you have another issue like no oil pressure, let the car warm up and the temperature gauge will start to climb, so it appears we need more information, is the car running or ignition switch just in the on position and for how long?

Hondo

 

[DNK]

Me thinks Kelly has him doing some needed chores and has been banned from the computer a couple of days

 

[hondo402000]

well I got my Dan masters book out, and as stated in previous post, make sure you have power to the stabilizer, green wire so check fuses first, next check the stabilizer with a meter you will get a reading from 0 then 12 and 0 and 12 as the stabilizer is working, check wires at the gauges, you can pull the wires off the senders, fuel and temp, touch them to ground and the gauge should go to full scale, if not you have wiring issues or gauge problems

lets us know, I should be working but just dont feel like calling anyone today

Hondo

 

[Guest]

Yep, just voltage. I know about the tach and speedo, neither which cable spins. Coulda swore temp was working but not now. Raining out, will look at it later. IIRC the wipers work...or did.