RS GAUGES PLAYING UP

[celtic]

Having a few issues with the fuel and temperature gauges in the dash of my 1980 RS2000.The fuel gauge is reading less than half full even though the tank is full to the top,and the temp gauge slowly makes its way to reading hot even though the engine is at normal running temp.I got a brand new temp.sender too, and the only difference that made is it goes to hot straight away as soon as the ignition is turned on. Ieven pulled out the heater rad to check that it wasnt blocked but that is fine.Could it be that the voltage stabiliser at the back of the dash is stuffed or a bad earth to the dash instrument cluster?

[Miniliteman]

Hello,

most likely the voltage regulator is on it's way out.
These are simple electro-mechanical devices prone to shocks.
Easiest check is to replace it with another (known good) one.
If the dash has a bad earth the voltage regulator will give a higher voltage than normal so the gauges would read higher than normal.

Do you have a digital multimeter?
Measure the resistance of the float in the fuel tank when that is full.
Resistance (between wire to dash and earth) should be approx. 15 Ohm.

Temo-senders come in different ranges resistance-wise, for the Escort you need a white coloured one.

Regards, Leon.

[celtic]

Thanks Leon,
Iwill try the multi meter and see what its reading.
Thanks again for the reply

[G Dub]

Almost certainly a shagged voltage stabiliser which is the block looking unit on the back of the cluster.

We careful testing the guages. many people (i have done it too) test the guages by connecting 12 volts directly to them. This will fry the guages as they are only 5 volt and operate by pulsing 12 volts to them on and off. the needles dont move quickly enough to be able to see that this is what is happening.

Most guage specialists can replace your voltage stabiliser with an electronic unit for around $100 - 150.

G

[Miniliteman]

The actual average voltage to the gauges is not exactly 5 Volts so a std 5 Volt-regulator will not give the proper reading.
I made 2 batches of electronic regulators as a replacement for the original ones for the RSE forum members in the UK.
Still have a couple left. They cost 38 Euro each (PayPal as a gift only) posted to Aus or NZ.
Regards, Leon.

[celtic]

Leon,

will your regulator plug in where the original fits or is there some wiring involved?

[Miniliteman]

Hi, it doesn't plug in the original spot but it comes with all the hardware to mount it on the back of the dash. The only thing you need is the screw which holds the original regulator in place for the earth lead. The photo shows it attached to a LHD dash, RHD dash is a mirror image (rev counter is on the opposite side).