repairing non working instrument guages

[emo666]

Trying get my gauges working properly --was reading in my shop manual that one cause of malfunction is the "radio suppresser " mounted near the alternator regulator . Is this absolutely required ( I don't have one installed) to get the guages working --or--is it only when one malfunctions that it causes gauges faults.

[RedBird64]

No, they should work without it. When running there may be some issues with RF noise but with it missing it will not keep them from working but their readings may be slighlty erratic.
If you have a newer, electronic style Vreg, you probably don't need it at all.

Is the constant voltage regulator (CVR) working? if all gauges are dead (except the ammeter) that would be my first thing to look at. This insideous little device is screwed to the back of the speedometer. It requires cursing and bloody knuckles to replace.
I would measure it at the water temp sensor - it's the easiest way to get to that voltage. S/B a little over 5V.

If dead, you can get a newer, electronic part that is far superior.

[emo666]

My temp and oil pressure gauge don't work at all but my gas gauge(most important) reads half all the time- my amp meter works also but thats not on that same circuit. Will check wires at temp.

[tbird]

If you remove and ground the temperature sender wire at the sender to a good ground the dash gauge should read full if everything is working. Same applies to gas and temperature gauge, if they do not the sender is likely bad,