guages wondering?

[NMARSH]

just curious being new to the 1st gens if anyone has had a problem with the oil pressure and water temp guages cycling kinda like the volt meter when its cold out? it seems like the water temp started first. now the oil guage is doing the same.

the oil light doesnt come on but it sure can scare ya to death.

thanks for any input.

 

[Philip]

I would start by checking the grounds on the truck first. The small wire coming off the battery to the radiator support. Then you need to find the ground for the dash and check it. I'm not sure where it is on this model of truck. Probably around the steering column.



You might want to pull the gage pod and check the plug and see if it is loose also.



The next item could be the voltage regulator for the gages is going bad. On the older trucks I used to work on the gage regulator was on the back of speedo pod assy. It plugged into the circuit board. It looked like a small rectangle silver box. I haven't had the speedo pod out of my 93. So I am not sure if it is in the same position.



I hope it isn't the gage voltage regulator. These used to be a bear to get from Dodge.

 

[Paychk]

I would bet that your area has gotten cold enough in the morning for the intake heaters to cycle. The heaters draw an enormous amount of power. After your truck warms up does it go away? normally when they cycle all you see are dimming lights and volt meter dipping not sure why your other gages would jump unless as Philip suggested you have a marginal ground somewhere.