1998 Ford F-150

JOE80ZX

MEMBER
1998 FORD F-150

Electrical problem
1998 Ford F150 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic

The F150 im working on starts nice, and after it warms, the temp gauge shoots up and the oil gauge shoots down. I have checked all the sensors and are good. I took out the Gauge Face and had it checked and all the componets work, and even installed it in another F150 and it doesnt have the same problem. Im stummped.

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,383 POSTS

Basically this is saying the gauges are controlled by GEM and any faults will be stored as DTC's so must be read by computer. The only other option is to replace the gauges?

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
Analog instrument cluster is equipped with electronic speedometer, fuel, oil pressure, temperature and voltage gauges. Some models are equipped with a tachometer.
ADJUSTMENTS
SPEEDOMETER CALIBRATION
Remove Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS). See VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR & GEAR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
To calculate proper VSS driven gear, use the following formula: Indicated vehicle speed x No. Of teeth on original VSS driven gear / actual vehicle speed = new driven gear size.
Round of number to nearest gear size (No. Of teeth). Reinstall VSS with correct driven gear.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Verify customer complaint by observing indicators and gauges to determine correct operation with ignition switch in RUN position, with engine off, in START before ignition switch is released and in RUN with engine running.
Visually inspect components of instrument cluster. See VISUAL INSPECTION.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Mechanical:
Low Brake Fluid Level
Damaged Engine Oil Filter
Damaged Vehicle Speed Sensor Gear
Damaged Washer Fluid Reservoir
Low Washer Fluid
Door Adjustment
Low Coolant Level
Low Engine Oil
Stuck Gauge Needle
Worn Or Damaged Generator Drive Belt
Electrical:
Blown Fuse
Damaged Miniature Bulbs
Damaged Wiring Harness
Loose Or Corroded Connections
Damaged Harness
Damaged Switches and Sensors
Damaged Instrument Cluster.
Verify that charging system, safety belt warning chime, turn signals, headlights and cruise control are working properly. Diagnose and repair those systems before performing instrument cluster diagnostics.
SPEEDOMETER INOPERATIVE/ODOMETER OKAY
Replace instrument cluster.
TRIP ODOMETER INOPERATIVE/SPEEDOMETER OKAY
Replace instrument cluster.
SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
SELF-DIAGNOSTICS
The instrument cluster utilizes a self-diagnostic system which may store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) if a problem exists in the system. DTCs may be retrieved using NGS tester and Data Link Connector (DLC) for diagnosis of system. Before performing any testing, a preliminary procedure should be performed. See PRELIMINARY PROCEDURE.