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Instrument cluster problem -'64 Dodge

Posted By: 1964wagonmaster

Instrument cluster problem -'64 Dodge - 08/26/13 12:49 AM

Hi all,
A couple of weeks ago I was on my way to Sunday dinner in the '64 Dodge 440 station wagon. Suddenly all the gauges pegged high. Figured I had a faulty limiter, so replaced it. But not before the temp gauge apparently fried on my way home from dinner. It no longer works at all, and the fuel & temp gauges read lower than actual, and also wiggle. The ammeter shows a constant discharge when everything is shut off (even with battery disconnected). It never did that before this issue; just stayed dead center with the key off. The service manual does not make any mention of what appears to be a condenser linked to the limiter. Does anyone know if this could be the problem? Also, will a fried temp gauge cause the others not to register properly? The 1964 Dodge factory service manual is quite deficient in addressing these matters, so I hope someone out there has been through this.

Thanks, and God bless.
Ron
Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Instrument cluster problem -'64 Dodge - 08/26/13 01:23 AM

If the interior lights flicker along with the gauges wiggling the voltage reg may need replacing especially if it is an OE electromechanical type but that is confusing as it is unrelated to the voltage limiter full fielding. Might just need to replace the gauges & the ammeter. Never seen an ammeter act like that & not sure how the full fielding of the gauges would have damaged the ammeter.
Posted By: 1964wagonmaster

Re: Instrument cluster problem -'64 Dodge - 08/26/13 01:29 AM

Thanks Robert, but it's not a regulator issue. All this started with the faulty cluster limiter. I really hope it didn't burn out all the gauges - don't know where I'll ever find good replacements. Guess I'll have to see if I can track down the gauge testing tool that the service book speaks about. Thanks for the reply. -Ron
Posted By: RapidRobert

Re: Instrument cluster problem -'64 Dodge - 08/26/13 01:34 AM

I'd place an ad on here and also checkout www.forabodiesonly.com . Someone here posted about taping 2 flashlight batteries in series & connecting each end to the gauge terminals & is should make em read in the middle iirc. That might be in the archives or someone might clarify. I have a gauge cluster from a 66 valiant which worked perfect if those gauges are the same. PM if interested (& if they are the same)

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Posted By: Andrewh

Re: Instrument cluster problem -'64 Dodge - 08/26/13 02:41 AM

2 AA batteries or AAA, or D or C wired in series gives 3 volts
puts the gauge in the middle.

3 of them would give 4.5 volts near the top of the voltage limter 5 volts and would give you near high reading on the gauge.

my sugguestion was to use a 3 cell mag light or 2 cell mag light and take the bulb out.
take wires to the ends where the bulb was and use the flash light on and off to operate the gauges.

it takes a little time before they move.

also your replacment might not be putting out exactly 5 volts.

and the amp meter isn't wired to the other gauges.
Posted By: therocks

Re: Instrument cluster problem -'64 Dodge - 08/26/13 01:20 PM

The old gauges sometimes get funky.My 65 I eliminated the amp gauge as most are a disaster waiting to happen.Gauges arent hard to find.I have 2 spare sets for my 65 B body.Bought one whole dash for 20 bucks at a meet.Check the copper strips close and also the pins where the wires connect.Rocky
Posted By: tboomer

Re: Instrument cluster problem -'64 Dodge - 08/26/13 01:44 PM

How does the circuit board look?
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