Voltage regulator

[Aaron285]

I'm having issues with my gauges in the dash. Someone said it could be a bad ground or voltage regulator. Does the dash have its own voltage regulator? And if so where is it located? Or could I have a differ problem/issue?

 

[RonD]

So a 1989 Ranger?

No, there is no voltage regulator for the dash, its in the alternator
The fuel gauge only, has a pulsed 5volt power supply.

Put a volt meter on the battery to test "at rest" voltage, 12.3-12.8volts is required
Start engine, 14.3-14.8volts should now be seen, and a STEADY voltage(thats the voltage regulators job)
After 5 minutes of running battery should show 13.5-13.8volts, STEADY


The dash and all cab electrics are Ground by a ground strap in the engine bay, it runs from the back of the head of the engine to the Firewall, make sure this is there and surfaces are clean
This ground strap is often left off after engine work, if a V6 engine it will be on the back of drivers side head

The engine and trans sit on rubber mounts
The cab and body also sit on rubber mounts
So there is no Ground just because they are metal parts

The battery negative(the ground) cable is connected to the engine for use by starter motor and alternator
So engine needs to be connected to the firewall to get a good ground in the cab when most electrics are needed