Fixing the ammeter

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The stock ammeter in my '89 truck is stuck in the middle no matter what condition the battery and/or truck load is in. I tried to take the gauge pod off but the speedometer line and the automatic transmission column shift (the one that displays what gear you are in) get pulled. What should I be expecting? How do I take off the auto-transmission link?

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1989 D250 Diesel, 3-spd Auto, 16cm^2 turbo housing, Banks power pack, K&N air filter, Aftermarket "Turbo Shop" intercooler, Aftermarket CD-Player, CB-Radio, New 5" Exhaust tip, RPM/Boost/EGT/transmission Temp gauges

 

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Pull the voltage reducer out from behind the gauge cluster, (it is a silver metal unit about 1 inch long by maybe 1/4 X 1/4 inch deep) located just behind the amp gauge. Use a jumper wire to short the two spade blades that plug into the back of the cluster, reinstall and your problem should be solved. If this does not work it is probably the voltage reducer itself that is bad. Replace with a new one from your local Dodge stealer. This voltage reducer is used because of the high voltage alternator that the Cummins uses. The Amp gauge can not handle 125+ amps so the voltage reducer does not let the gauge see more than 60-70 amps. I have done this several times to my own and several others. I can do it now with out taking any of the dash apart just by snaking my hand up under the dash through the maze of wires. I believe that it is just static electricity that confuses the reducer or maybe just cheap parts that can not handle the constant abuse of the alternator. Good luck!

STAB

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'89, CC, SB, 5sp, 3. 54, 16cm2 housing, maxed fuel, KN, Banks exh w/muffler, Autometer liquid filled gauges, Factory tach option, 100% Dyna-Mat, Horton fan clutch, Firestone air bags, Chrysler V-twin air comp, 2. 5" lift, Rancho Shocks, Alcoa LTS, BFG 255/85/R16 MTs (33. 3")

 

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Great fix. . I just gave up on it and never bothered to fix it.

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Jason's Lil' Mack - 89 D250LE 2WD 5Spd 3. 55 Reg Cab. K&N,"tweaked pump", 3. 5" Exst straight,E&M Custom seats. Bosch H4, PIAA 80W/80W HdLites. Bosch 100W Driving. Bosch 55W Fogs.
218,000 miles (355,000 Kms)
7450 Hrs.