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MAN# 650814
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
* 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, some electric gauge sensors, 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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
System does not turn on Control Box may not be getting Check if the Control Box always has
and status LED is off. power.
12 volts connected to it’s constant
power terminal and 12v to IGNITION
PWR terminal when the key is on.
Do not use a battery charger to
power the system.
Control Box may not be getting Check if the Control Box has
a ground.
a proper ground connection.
The Control Box may have
Contact Dakota
Digital’s service
an internal problem
department with a description of
the problem.
System does not turn on Constant power connected but Check connection at IGNITION PWR
and LED flashes RED no ignition signal at IGNITION terminal. There should be 12v when
every 4 seconds.
PWR terminal.
key is on, and 0v when key is off.
System does not turn on The Instrument Cluster may not be Check the display cable between
the
and LED is on solid
getting power.
Instrument Cluster and Control Box.
GREEN
Be sure the connectors are plugged in
Control Box and display securely.
Check the Instrument Cluster wiring
harness for broken or cut wires.
System freezes or hangs The display harness is
Check the Instrument Cluster wiring
and LED is on solid
damaged.
harness for broken or cut wires.
GREEN
The Instrument Cluster is not
Contact Dakota Digital
’s service
working.
department with a description of
the problem.
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.
