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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
This is a list of some problems and their solutions which may be encountered when installing your
instrumentation system. If you cannot determine what the problem is or how to solve it, please call our
technical assistance line (605) 332-6513 or email [email protected].
* A note on vehicle grounding. *
The most common cause of problems with electric gauges and other sensitive vehicle electronics
is poor ground connections. The engine block has the highest ground currents of any point in the
vehicle. The ignition system, electric gauge senders, starter, alternator, etc. all use the engine block for
a ground point. Since the alternator is grounded directly to the engine block, all ground currents in the
entire vehicle must pass through the engine block while the engine is running. A weak or loose
connection can cause many unexpected problems that may be difficult to track down. The engine block
should have heavy ground straps to both the chassis and the body. The main negative cable from
the battery should be connected directly to the engine block.
Symptom
Possible Problem
Solution
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System does not light up
Control box may not be getting
Check if the control box has
and LED off.
power.
12 volts connected to it.
Control box may not be getting
Check if the control box has
a ground.
a proper ground connection.
Do not use a battery charger to
power the system.
The control box may have
Contact Dakota Digital’s service
an internal problem
department with a description of
the problem.
System does not light up
Control box may be getting too
Check if power to control box is
and LED is on steady.
low of a voltage.
at least 11 volts.
Do not use a battery charger to
power the system.
System does not light up
The display system may not be
Check the ribbon connector on the
and LED is flashing.
getting power.
display system wiring harness
Be sure the pins and stripe are aligned
with control box markings.
Check the display system wiring
harness for broken or cut wires.
One display does not
The display panel is damaged,
Return the display panel to
light up at all, all others
corner of the display is white, or
Dakota Digital for repair. Include
work correctly.
the display is cracked or broken a phone number and address.
Call for RMA # before returning.
The tachometer will not
The control box is not connected
Make sure the control box is
show a reading.
to the engine properly
connected to your particular
ignition system properly.
The engine cylinder setting is
Refer to the tach setup section
incorrect.
of the installation manual.
The tach signal setting is
Refer to the tach setup section
incorrect.
of the installation manual.
