Gauges voltage

[bowdown916]

Sup guys,not sure if this its the right place to post an eletrical problem. but here it is...

i replace my old cluster from my 1986 scottsdale truck, speedometer and fuel gauge didnt work, so i replace it for another used one i found, all gauges seens to work,but the battery meter wont move,so i was wondering how to test it ,to see if the gauge or the back board of the cluster its working...

[beastie_3]

pull the gauge out and take some wire leads and hook it up directly to a good battery.

[bowdown916]

ok ill try that tomorrow... do you know where or what color its the wire that connects that gauge to the battery ?

i was wondering if on the last pic,on the back of the gauge where it connects,if one of those metal clips its missing or thats how it suppost to be...

[beastie_3]

thats how it is supposed to be. just need a + and a -

go to the tech section for wiring diagrams and youll find the right colored wire.

[beastie_3]

I no see a VIN...chop chop

[bake74]

     That metal clip you are talking about, it does not connect into the printed circuit board does it ?  If it does that could be your problem.

[beastie_3]

I have only seen volts having two posts hooked up to the circuit board.

[bowdown916]

That gauge connected its only giving me 3 volts n others about 11-12..

[DnStClr]

Your posts are a bit confusing Bowdown.  To test the gauge, did you remove the gauge and carry it around to the battery and hook up 2 wires- one to each of the prongs on the back of the gauge, and then touch the two wires to the battery terminals, one to the + and one to the - side of the battery? If so, is this where you are getting a 3 volts reading? If you didn't check the gauge this way, then do so.  See if the gauge reads 11-12 volts. If the gauge needle goes backward, you have the wires backwards. Switch them to the opposite battery posts and get your reading.
 To answer one of your questions- yes, there are 3 metal clips on the back of the gauge. but, as Beastie said, only 2 are used.