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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 to [email protected].
* A note on vehicle grounding. *
The most common cause of problems with electric gauges 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 all kinds of random
problems that may 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
power.
12 volts connected to it.
Do not use a battery charger to
power the system.
Check the fuse on the control
box. If it is blown, replace with a
2 amp fuse.
The display system may not be
Insert the connector on the
getting power.
display system wiring harness
into the slot on the side of the
control box. Be sure the pins
line up properly.
Check the display system wiring
harness for broken or cut wires.
The control box may have
Return the control box to Dakota
an internal problem
Digital with a description of the
problem and a phone number.
The speed and tach light,
Display power harness is not
Plug the 2-wire harness into the
but the fuel, volt, oil, and
connected.
control box. The mating connector
water do not.
is located next to the fuse.
One display does not
The display panel
Return the display panel to
light up at all, all others
corner of the display is white,
Dakota Digital for repair. Include
work correctly.
the display is cracked or broken a phone number and address.
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 control box is not set up
Make sure switch #8 is OFF if
correctly for your display system
you have a bar graph only.
