Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: 88TC4lyfe on April 27, 2013, 03:24:01 PM

Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: 88TC4lyfe on April 27, 2013, 03:24:01 PM
Hey so i've been doing some electrical work on the turbo coupe and everythings been going well. But recently my fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, and temp gauge stopped working. I've already checked all the fuses and everything is sound. I went through the wiring diagrams and did some research and i'm convinced its the instrument cluster voltage regulator.
    I've been all over trying to find a replacement, but autozone/napa/o'reillys doesn't have any way of getting the regulator, and the local junkyards don't have any foxbody anything. So I was wondering if anybody out there had a parts car as i'm willing to buy, or if anyone has encountered the same thing and can tell me i'm wrong (hopefully).
Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: 50RACER on April 27, 2013, 06:22:11 PM
I have an 88 parts car, but you are going to have to show me what the part you want looks like. Can you get a photo of what you need?
Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: FirstBird on April 27, 2013, 08:44:19 PM
the voltage regulator is this thing
(http://i1127.photobucket.com/albums/l622/87tbird/DSC00119.jpg) (http://s1127.photobucket.com/user/87tbird/media/DSC00119.jpg.html)
It turns 12v to 5v for the gauges
Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: 50RACER on April 27, 2013, 11:10:03 PM
Ok. Next question is where is it located. I don't recall seeing this part. If it is in the instrument cluster, I don't have an extra one presently.
Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: Tbird-fanatic on April 27, 2013, 11:28:57 PM
Im gonna try one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ford-Instrument-cluster-voltage-regulator-5v-SOLID-STATE-LIFETIME-GUARANTEE-/280920511188?pt=Vintage_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AThunderbird&hash=item41682ad2d4&vxp=mtr

My issue though is gauge flux, itll read hot temp or full tank when niether is true.
Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: Beau on April 28, 2013, 12:40:06 AM
Hell, I've got a few of them here.

PM me your addy, I'll throw a couple to you Monday morning.

No worries on the payment issue, someone gave me a hookup on some super cheap goodies a bit ago...paying it forward. :)
Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: 88turbo on April 28, 2013, 01:12:58 AM
^^^  Awesome guy........:bowdown:
Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: FirstBird on April 28, 2013, 02:52:10 AM
Quote from: 50RACER;414041
Ok. Next question is where is it located. I don't recall seeing this part. If it is in the instrument cluster, I don't have an extra one presently.

yeah its on the back of the cluster
Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: Trinom on April 28, 2013, 12:09:00 PM
Guys, this resistor has nothing to do with the gauges. It's only load resistor conected parallel with the backlight. BTW, it's completely useless and you don't have to have it connected.
Title: Instrument cluster problems
Post by: 86cougar on May 01, 2013, 09:46:30 PM
Quote from: Trinom;414067
Guys, this resistor has nothing to do with the gauges. It's only load resistor conected parallel with the backlight. BTW, it's completely useless and you don't have to have it connected.

Yep, it's a resistor, it mounts on the back of the instrument gauges when you pull it out.
Allied Electronics would most likely have this part if you really want one and probably for a lot less that a parts store. Just saying...