What is this doohickey on the back of the instrument panel?
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
What is this doohickey on the back of the instrument panel?
I had to replace one on my crew years ago, but I can't remember if it was for the fuel gauge or oil or what.
#5
Registered User
Like was said before, it's a voltage regulator. the gauges use 5 volts, and since voltage fluctuates on our 12 volt systems, it keeps voltage a nice even 5 volts... in theroy!
Trending Topics
#8
Administrator
Some snapped in with a snap like terminal while the others had blade terminals.
Most of the old regulators were a thermal type where a bimetallic strip was wrapped with nichrome wire as the current through the wire heated the bimetallic strip it would bend and open the contacts, as the circuit was open it would cool off again closing the contacts and the cycle starts over. This crude pulse was then smoothed over using a capacitor to give usually the fuel, temp and oil gauge a regulated 5 volts.
Now you can easily build one using an LM-7805 regulator or an LM-317 adjustable regulator and a few support components.
Jim
#9
Registered User
Thread Starter
Thanks folks. I got this thinkin' goin' on in my head about blending my first gen ctd with my old instruments in my 77 crew. I am no electronics expert, but I am trying to understand these things.
#10
Registered User
[Most of the old regulators were a thermal type where a bimetallic strip was wrapped with nichrome wire as the current through the wire heated the bimetallic strip it would bend and open the contacts, as the circuit was open it would cool off again closing the contacts and the cycle starts over. This crude pulse was then smoothed over using a capacitor to give usually the fuel, temp and oil gauge a regulated 5 volts.)
JIM LANE QUOTE
And they often "stick" which causes your gauges to swing to the high side side for a moment, then return to normal.
This is a common problem for all old Mopars.
This is EXACTLY why I changed my 1985 truck over to a 1993 cluster.
Now i have an accurate electronic speedometer, a voltage guage (instead of a stupid AMP guage) and VDO stepper motor guages.
It was really pretty easy.
WIN, WIN,WIN!
JIM LANE QUOTE
And they often "stick" which causes your gauges to swing to the high side side for a moment, then return to normal.
This is a common problem for all old Mopars.
This is EXACTLY why I changed my 1985 truck over to a 1993 cluster.
Now i have an accurate electronic speedometer, a voltage guage (instead of a stupid AMP guage) and VDO stepper motor guages.
It was really pretty easy.
WIN, WIN,WIN!
#11
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Benton City, WA.
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gotta say if you plan on keeping the old cluster then converting the regulator to electronic as mentioned above makes things much better. I did this to my old 78' Ferd and the gauges were notably more stable and accurate, best of all the parts all fit neatly into the original regulator box so it appears stock.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Commatoze
2nd Gen. Dodge Ram - No Drivetrain
13
11-25-2004 07:47 AM
Jmac
3rd Generation Ram - Non Drivetrain - All Years
1
10-07-2004 10:57 PM