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Electrical 96 GT Cluster Gauges innacurate

  • Thread starter Thread starter Obiwan
  • Start date Start date Mar 20, 2018

Obiwan

Member
Mar 20, 2018
3
1
13
Virginia Beach Virginia
Mar 20, 2018
#1
  • Mar 20, 2018
  • #1
The instrument cluster on my 96 reads innaccurately for my oil pressure and temperature . The temp works it just reads too high (3/4) when at operating temp and the oil pressure sometimes reads 7/8. Does anyone know a fix for this? The voltmeter seems alright and fuel is ok....
 

wmburns

SN Certified Technician
Aug 14, 2009
5,892
514
204
Houston Texas
Mar 20, 2018
#2
  • Mar 20, 2018
  • #2
Obiwan said:
The instrument cluster on my 96 reads innaccurately for my oil pressure and temperature . The temp works it just reads too high (3/4) when at operating temp and the oil pressure sometimes reads 7/8. Does anyone know a fix for this? The voltmeter seems alright and fuel is ok....
Click to expand...
Let's see if we can help you to sort this out.

First. The oil pressure sensor used on the Mustang does NOT send the real oil pressure. It's a simple on/off switch. The position of the dash meter has no meaning about the amount of oil pressure. Think "analog" idiot gauge.

Next, the temperature gauge is affected by system battery voltage. IF the voltage is low this will make the gauge read high. Here's some information on how to test the charging system.

Howto perform charging system voltage drop test
https://www.stangnet.com/mustang-fo...perform-charging-system-voltage-drop-test.56/

Once you know the battery and alternator are in tip top shape, then measure the t-stat with an infrared thermometer. Use this to cross check the dash gauge.

Finally the dash voltage gauge isn't anywhere close to accurate enough to give useful information. The difference between good charging voltage and battery discharging voltage is barely enough to make the needle move. Recommend testing with an real Volt-Ohm Meter at the battery.
 
Last edited: Mar 20, 2018

Obiwan

Member
Mar 20, 2018
3
1
13
Virginia Beach Virginia
Mar 21, 2018
#3
  • Mar 21, 2018
  • #3
Awsome man thanks...I do know that the oil pressure is just on/off at like 6 lbs I was thinking a ground issue because everything works it's just inaccurate...but I'll definitely recheck my charging system again...
 
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