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Instrument cluster gone bonkers! Ideas?
#729363 October 28th 2017 7:50 am
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Hey guys,

I’m wondering if any of you can shed some light on my new issue that popped up today...

Basically all my gauges on my 72 Dodge b200 are suddenly reading all or nothing..ie no level at all or full...

Is this an earthing issue or voltage regulator? Or something else....

While I’m at it...if anyone knows of anyone selling an early to mid 70’s instrument cluster let me know, the magnets are stuffed on my speedo as well...😩

Thanks guys👍🏻

Re: Instrument cluster gone bonkers! Ideas?
Bourneavanner #729380 October 28th 2017 7:11 pm
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Prefacing this reply with I have no idea about that model year, my 89 uses a 5v regulator from the gauges and its technology dates from 1937.

Mine looks like this, and I see the same part back into mopars of the mid 60's

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

When my gauges started acting funny, I replaced this gizmo, with a more modern version.

https://www.amazon.com/DROK-Waterpr...mp;psc=1&refRID=P1NZ1K3KE5PYWKWQJNW5

This one's voltage is adjustable and has been powering my gauges for about 3 years IIRC.

Also check that the ground wire for the instrument cluster is actually well grounded. Mine is grounded to the dashboard, and the dashboard's mounting screws might not have very good contact with The body/frame anymore. And of course the main battery to frame ground is usually an issue at some point too.

the pins' on the clusters primitive circuit board are also known to develop fractured solder joints which can cause your wacked out gauges. Reflowing the solder on them is pretty simple and could be effective even if it passes a visual inspection of them.

No idea about the speedo. Reed seems to have a good grasp on their functioning internal doodads

Last edited by wrcsixeight; October 28th 2017 7:25 pm.
Re: Instrument cluster gone bonkers! Ideas?
wrcsixeight #729392 October 29th 2017 5:45 am
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Great! Thanks for the info. I’ll start with the regulator and see how I go👍🏻

Re: Instrument cluster gone bonkers! Ideas?
Bourneavanner #729406 October 29th 2017 3:10 pm
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One needs an analog voltmeter to check the ancient voltage regulator's output.

Since the circuit board has to come out anyway, I would reflow the solder on the connector pins at that time too.


Re: Instrument cluster gone bonkers! Ideas?
Bourneavanner #729409 October 29th 2017 5:16 pm
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Stupid electrical problems are ground issues 99% of the time.


Tucson-it's a dry heat...like an oven
Re: Instrument cluster gone bonkers! Ideas?
Bourneavanner #732521 January 31st 2018 2:32 pm
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The thing about reflowing the solder....
On the clusters I'm familiar with (various 70's B vans), those pins aren't soldered to the board. They're rivets of a sort. You must add the solder, which can change the leverage effect of the connector and cause the pins to flex a bit and start to peel up the copper from the board.
Also, the pins can get stuck in the connector and get pulled right off the board.

That round connector is the bane of my existence. I've always picked these vans up with bad instruments due usually to that voltage regulator, and there's usually only a handful of times one can connect or disconnect that round connector without damaging the board.

I've had to delete it entirely on my current van because half the pins were gone. I pulled the rest (careful! Don't peel up the copper) of the pins and put some little screw terminals so I can run u terminals to a generic molex connector.

Edit: here's this regulator upgrade to solid-state page, cheaper fix than that eBay http://1962to1965mopar.ornocar.org/ml-instrument-voltage-regulator64.html voltage regulator.

Somewhere on the interwebs is a scan of an old magazine article detailing the same upgrade, but they used the shell of the old mechanical regulator to mount the transistor so it had stock appearance. I might could find it again.

Last edited by Miyagi; January 31st 2018 2:50 pm. Reason: Extra info
Re: Instrument cluster gone bonkers! Ideas?
Bourneavanner #732871 February 07th 2018 11:57 pm
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I had similar problem, replaced the circuit boards because They looked kind of flaky and voltage limiter with solid state.
All is good now.

The parts I used.....Pricey but quality looks really good. I do not think I will be doing it again.

https://premiumdashdecals.com/shop/dodge/truckvan78-89-van-circuit-board-full-set/

http://www.partsmix.com/instrument-...-warranty-against-manufacturing-defects/


1979 Dodge B200 wrangler factory authorized van conversion.
360 cid 727 auto trans NP203 full time 4 wd
Re: Instrument cluster gone bonkers! Ideas?
Bourneavanner #732872 February 07th 2018 11:58 pm
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I had similar problem, replaced the circuit boards because They looked kind of flaky and voltage limiter with solid state.
All is good now.

The parts I used.....Pricey but quality looks really good. I do not think I will be doing it again.

https://premiumdashdecals.com/shop/dodge/truckvan78-89-van-circuit-board-full-set/

http://www.partsmix.com/instrument-...-warranty-against-manufacturing-defects/


1979 Dodge B200 wrangler factory authorized van conversion.
360 cid 727 auto trans NP203 full time 4 wd
Re: Instrument cluster gone bonkers! Ideas?
oldpar #733140 February 16th 2018 2:42 pm
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Damn, that is expensive. I think I'd rather etch a custom board.


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