the dash gauges keep blowing fuses

125,000 MILES
Avatar
12167LORI
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
A little over a week ago, a fuse to dashboard gauges blew upon starting the truck. I replaced it with an obviously old but working fuse. This fuse blew a few days later, was replaced with a new fuse. In the meantime, the truck was not starting as smoothly as it had in the past. This morning, after having driven the truck 7 miles, then turning it off...I tried starting it about 30 min. later...the dash lights came on as usually, followed by a "click, click" and then no power at all. I turned off the ignition a d attempted again and still had no power to anything. The check engine lights was on, (until fuse was replaced), but it was on for something in the emissions that sits on top of the gas tank. The only other unusual thing was the gas gauge...it would register low fuel no matter how much gas was in it and as I drove, the gauge would eventually read correctly.


Oct 5, 2011 at 1:58 PM
Avatar
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,246 POSTS
First, you need to check for an electrical draw that may have caused the battery to go dead. Next, I have to tell you that there seems to be a common problem with the inst clusters in these vehicles. They go crazy and then stop working. Thus, you may find that is where the problem is coming from. The fuel gauge could be the cluster going bad or the sending unit in the tank. That too would need checked.
Oct 5, 2011 at 2:05 PM
Avatar
CADIEMAN
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,544 POSTS
have the battery and charging system checked and then dheck it for a draw.you have a short to the dashlights.is the digitail dash out or the illumation light?
Oct 5, 2011 at 2:27 PM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle