I was hoping someone could weigh in on some issues I have with my tractor. I've rewired the tractor from the headlights back to the instrument cluster. Everything is right(i'm assuming, the tractor was wired based on the technical manual) Everything on the instrument panel is functioning properly except for the temp and fuel gauge. When all the prongs are connected to back of the instrument panel the temp gauge will go all the way up to hot and the fuel gauge won't move at all. The fuel gauge will function if you run a positive and negative from the battery, it goes all the way up as well. I've replaced the voltage stabilizer but it still shows 12v on both sides. The only issue with that is, is that the fuel gauge won't do anything. I'm not sure if something is grounded somewhere. I've racked my brain with this one and its becoming frustrating. Any help would be great. Thanks.
Roadworthy
Elite Member
I've got a 1969 Ford F100 - I know, it's not a tractor. If you've replaced the "voltage stabilizer" and you still get twelve volts something is not doing its job. I think the output should be about five volts. I had a 1971 Volvo with gauge problems. I just used a five volt three tab regulator. Problem solved. I think you're on the right track just not quite there yet.
strum456
Platinum Member
Have you checked the main ground for the instrument cluster? Next, set your meter to ohms and see if the sending units for the fuel tank and temp are within range. Those gauges need 3 things to work.
1. A good ground for reference
2. A signal wire that has resistance within proper range of the reference ground
3. Voltage
You can test the gauges without the tractor. Hook up the gauge to a power source + and - then use some resistors within the proper range, or better yet, a potentiometer to regulate the resistance to ground. I don't know off the top of my head what the resistance ranges are, but you should be able to find that in a good manual, or on the net.
1. A good ground for reference
2. A signal wire that has resistance within proper range of the reference ground
3. Voltage
You can test the gauges without the tractor. Hook up the gauge to a power source + and - then use some resistors within the proper range, or better yet, a potentiometer to regulate the resistance to ground. I don't know off the top of my head what the resistance ranges are, but you should be able to find that in a good manual, or on the net.
Hey thanks for the reply. I have a 1970 F100. Yeah, I definitely think there is something going on within the voltage stabilizer. It's the second one I've purchased and they both do the same thing. I'm driving in a bit deeper today to see if I can figure it out. It's the last thing I need to fix before paint so we'll see.
Strum I haven't singled out the ground for the instrument panel. I'll check that today. I'll also check for the range of the gauges. The previous owner of this tractor has a lot of questionable wiring. Hopefully it's just a ground or the gauges. Thanks.