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Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? #3072030 08/28/22 10:53 AM 08/28/22 10:53 AM
Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ N Nvr4Get911 OP mopar
Nvr4Get911 OP mopar N Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ	I got a 65 Cuda instrument cluster that I would like to bench test. Is there a way to use a multimeter? Tried to put 6v power to Fuel and temp gauges but now movement. Not sure if I'm doing it correct. Search for a videos but couldn't find any using a multimeter. Any insight is appreciated.

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Nvr4Get911] #3072038 08/28/22 11:33 AM 08/28/22 11:33 AM
Joined: May 2019 Posts: 6,250 nowhere S Sniper master
Sniper master S Joined: May 2019 Posts: 6,250 nowhere	Originally Posted by Nvr4Get911 I got a 65 Cuda instrument cluster that I would like to bench test. Is there a way to use a multimeter? Tried to put 6v power to Fuel and temp gauges but now movement. Not sure if I'm doing it correct. Search for a videos but couldn't find any using a multimeter. Any insight is appreciated. That's because you really can't test them with a multimeter other than to verify the coil isn't open. All Mopar gauges use 73 ohm (low) and 10 ohms (high) as the end points of the gauge reading. So you need to connect the return side of the gauge, did you forget the return side, thru each of those resistors to test accuracy of the gauge.

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Sniper] #3072180 08/28/22 08:08 PM 08/28/22 08:08 PM
Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ N Nvr4Get911 OP mopar
Nvr4Get911 OP mopar N Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ	When you mention "resistors" are you referencing the prongs for the wiring harness connection or the two connections from the gauge itself? I tried testing the wiring prong connection and then tried testing two connections seciured to circuit board with pal nuts but could not get a reading of any type using an auto range multimeter.

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Nvr4Get911] #3072195 08/28/22 08:37 PM 08/28/22 08:37 PM
Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 8,671 A Andrewh master
Andrewh master A Joined: Feb 2003 Posts: 8,671	tape 2 AA batteries in series. that gives you 3 volts. I taped leads to the ends and then used aligator clips to clip it to each side of the gauge. give it a second. if you wired it backwards it won't do anything. then flip them leads and check again. it should go to about half way.

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Nvr4Get911] #3072211 08/28/22 09:21 PM 08/28/22 09:21 PM
Joined: May 2019 Posts: 6,250 nowhere S Sniper master
Sniper master S Joined: May 2019 Posts: 6,250 nowhere	Originally Posted by Nvr4Get911 When you mention "resistors" are you referencing the prongs for the wiring harness connection or the two connections from the gauge itself? Neither,

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Nvr4Get911] #3072222 08/28/22 09:47 PM 08/28/22 09:47 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,439 So Cal Sinitro master
Sinitro master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,439 So Cal	If the gauge is out of calibration as often is the case as the variable rheostat within the sending unit such as fuel, water temp or oil pressure may be off... My solution is to use a100 Ohm rheostat with (2) clip leads, connect the rheostat leads in series to 1 side of the gauge... Now adjust the rheostat to vary the supply DC voltage(5V) to the gauge as to obtain the target value, next using a multimeter measure the value of rheostat setting. Final step is to add an external 2W resistor in series equal to the measured value of rheostat, so now the gauge will be calibrated. May sound complicated but actually the practice is quite simple.. Just my $0.02...

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Andrewh] #3073620 09/02/22 04:34 PM 09/02/22 04:34 PM
Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ N Nvr4Get911 OP mopar
Nvr4Get911 OP mopar N Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ	Originally Posted by Andrewh tape 2 AA batteries in series. that gives you 3 volts. I taped leads to the ends and then used aligator clips to clip it to each side of the gauge. give it a second. if you wired it backwards it won't do anything. then flip them leads and check again. it should go to about half way. Using your advise I got the temp gauge but fuel gauge not moving Last edited by Nvr4Get911; 09/02/22 04:34 PM.

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Nvr4Get911] #3073654 09/02/22 07:00 PM 09/02/22 07:00 PM
Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 1,645 Phila. Pa. Mattax top fuel
Mattax top fuel Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 1,645 Phila. Pa.	Maybe needs more power. There has to be enough current to heat the resistance wire. My sequence for testing the gages alone when the gage or instrument cluster is removed. First check each gage for resistance. That will confirm the wire is intact. I show that here on a 67 Rally panel. https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/gauge-cluster-issues-ivr.455893/#post-1972855388 Then I checked each similiar to what you just did but using D-cells. Finally I check the system semi-live using a car battery with breaker to power the IVR, and 22 ohm resistors in various configurations to represent the three test points for each gage, 10, 23, & 74 Ohms See this post and the the last one in the thread. https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/gauge-cluster-issues-ivr.455893/page-2#post-1972858065 Here's the 1966 Master Tech on Gages http://www.web.imperialclub.info/Repair/Lit/Master/227/Page01.htm and the filmstrip https://youtu.be/mpkrm3QKCjc There may be an earlier MTSC on gages - ypou can skim through the Imperial Club Collection, mymopars, but the concept will be the same as covered in 1966

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Mattax] #3073657 09/02/22 07:17 PM 09/02/22 07:17 PM
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,439 So Cal Sinitro master
Sinitro master Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,439 So Cal	Thanks for posting very interesting... Just my $0.02...

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Mattax] #3073671 09/02/22 08:13 PM 09/02/22 08:13 PM
Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ N Nvr4Get911 OP mopar
Nvr4Get911 OP mopar N Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ	Originally Posted by Mattax Maybe needs more power. There has to be enough current to heat the resistance wire. My sequence for testing the gages alone when the gage or instrument cluster is removed. First check each gage for resistance. That will confirm the wire is intact. I show that here on a 67 Rally panel. https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/gauge-cluster-issues-ivr.455893/#post-1972855388 Then I checked each similiar to what you just did but using D-cells. Finally I check the system semi-live using a car battery with breaker to power the IVR, and 22 ohm resistors in various configurations to represent the three test points for each gage, 10, 23, & 74 Ohms See this post and the the last one in the thread. https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/gauge-cluster-issues-ivr.455893/page-2#post-1972858065 Here's the 1966 Master Tech on Gages http://www.web.imperialclub.info/Repair/Lit/Master/227/Page01.htm and the filmstrip https://youtu.be/mpkrm3QKCjc There may be an earlier MTSC on gages - ypou can skim through the Imperial Club Collection, mymopars, but the concept will be the same as covered in 1966 I did use 2 AA then 4 AA batteries but no movement. .I will dive into this deeper. Thank you for the insight!.....to be continued....

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Nvr4Get911] #3073913 09/03/22 03:29 PM 09/03/22 03:29 PM
Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ N Nvr4Get911 OP mopar
Nvr4Get911 OP mopar N Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 476 NJ	Originally Posted by Nvr4Get911 Originally Posted by Mattax Maybe needs more power. There has to be enough current to heat the resistance wire. My sequence for testing the gages alone when the gage or instrument cluster is removed. First check each gage for resistance. That will confirm the wire is intact. I show that here on a 67 Rally panel. https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/gauge-cluster-issues-ivr.455893/#post-1972855388 Then I checked each similiar to what you just did but using D-cells. Finally I check the system semi-live using a car battery with breaker to power the IVR, and 22 ohm resistors in various configurations to represent the three test points for each gage, 10, 23, & 74 Ohms See this post and the the last one in the thread. https://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/threads/gauge-cluster-issues-ivr.455893/page-2#post-1972858065 Here's the 1966 Master Tech on Gages http://www.web.imperialclub.info/Repair/Lit/Master/227/Page01.htm and the filmstrip https://youtu.be/mpkrm3QKCjc There may be an earlier MTSC on gages - ypou can skim through the Imperial Club Collection, mymopars, but the concept will be the same as covered in 1966 I did use 2 AA then 4 AA batteries but no movement. .I will dive into this deeper. Thank you for the insight!.....to be continued.... @Mattax I resd yhe FABO thread and today I was able to put some work in testing and I got just over 20 ohms and both fuel and temperature gauge. I also figured out I placed the leads on the wrong posts in order to test movement. At this point I think.I'm good. Time for some reading from Mattax links. My electrical skills have increased tremendously....thanks!.

Re: Using multimeter to bench test gauger cluster??? [Re: Nvr4Get911] #3074402 09/05/22 09:06 AM 09/05/22 09:06 AM
Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 1,645 Phila. Pa. Mattax top fuel
Mattax top fuel Joined: Feb 2010 Posts: 1,645 Phila. Pa.	Glad it is of help. Getting the right connections is part of the journey. I often copy and colorize or redraw the connectors/panels whatever and have them as reference on the workbench. With the resistance readings good, at least you know the gages are not burned out. Its possible D cells can, and the AA batteries can't supply the power needed, even though both have the same voltage. (The amp-hour ratings on the smaller batteries is lower. )

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