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  •  » oil and temp reading low

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    8/26/2014 2:46 PM  #1

    Mark Z
    FYI Addict

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    From: Dix Hills, NY
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 160

    oil and temp reading low

    I've asked this before but the problem still exists. My oil and temp gauges read lower than normal, but when I put on my headlights they move into the normal position. I've checked the underhood gauge feed connections, added a seperate gauge cluster ground and checked the engine ground. any ideas?
    Thanks Mark

     

    8/26/2014 2:55 PM  #2

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,661

    Re: oil and temp reading low

    I bet one of our electrical gurus can help with this, but I am thinking the WYAIT MONSTER   is going to be all over this one...

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    8/27/2014 4:53 AM  #3

    wsinsle
    Senior 24-7 FYI Addict

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    From: Belle Vernon, PA
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,786

    Re: oil and temp reading low

          Mark I feel you should have 2 engine grounds, one from block near alternator to a heavy frame area. One from back of the engine to firewall area. These grounds MUST be to clean bare metal. Grind off all paint before connecting ground wire. Same with the ground wire you added to the gauge cluster. Do not try to ground through paint.
         Make up a long jumper. Measure voltage from the CVR case (the 5 volt gauge regulator) to battery negative. This should read zero. Turn on the head lights, measure again, still should read zero. This is checking the ground to the CVR.
         Now measure the 12 volt supply to the CVR. Turn on the head lights and measure again, any difference in voltage?
         Once the car is warmed up, does the temperature gauge act the same with the engine running versa the engine not running? Does any of this have any effect on the gas gauge?

    If this forum can't fix it, it isn't broke.
     

    8/27/2014 5:00 AM  #4

    John Ha
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    From: Mitchell, SD
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 1,015

    Re: oil and temp reading low

    Someone else had a similar problem a few years ago and it turned out to be the contacts in the plugs on the firewall.  They can become a bit corroded over time.  Try disconnecting and reseating them a few times.  That will clean the contacts and give you better electrical connections inside.

    Last edited by John Ha (8/27/2014 5:19 AM)

    Founding Member of the Perpetually Bewildered Society
     

    8/28/2014 9:45 AM  #5

    bulletbirdman
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Saucier, Mississippi
    Registered: 5/23/2013
    Posts: 480

    Re: oil and temp reading low

    Check the instrument cluster resistor  sounds like its going bad, when you turn on the lights its adding more resistance to the system.  

    I made enough money to buy Miami, but pissed it away so fast
     

    8/28/2014 10:11 AM  #6

    Mark Z
    FYI Addict

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    From: Dix Hills, NY
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 160

    Re: oil and temp reading low

    Is the intsrument cluster resister the same thing as the CVR? Something new happened after I posted, was driving at night with lights on and the gauges went way high then came back down to normal range. Maybe that can help.
    Thanks Mark

       •Thread Starter
     

    8/28/2014 2:34 PM  #7

    bulletbirdman
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Saucier, Mississippi
    Registered: 5/23/2013
    Posts: 480

    Re: oil and temp reading low

    Sorry I said resistor its actually a voltage regulator.

    I made enough money to buy Miami, but pissed it away so fast
     

     

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