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Multigauge Volts


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Hi all. Troubleshooting my voltmeter and getting a -20V reading when checking ground (J) & blue (G) pins on the 5 pin connector. Medallion Troubleshooting guide says it should be 12.

When the power is off the voltmeter points to the E on the fuel gauge or sometimes the opposite direction of 13 volts. When I turn the key on it shakes like it's supposed to but generally goes back to the same place. Any ideas?

Thanks!

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Edited by MotoGPTy
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On most digital volt meters, a - volt reading typically means the polarity of the meter leads are reversed. But, the actual voltage reading is still actually correct. In other words, measuring the voltage across the battery post will be identical, regardless of which lead is touched to which post. But you see the (-) when the leads are reversed.

Has there been some wiring work done behind the dash recently? Try disconnecting the leads from the gauge and testing their voltage again.

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It's probably a bad gauge. Any one of the of the 4 functions can fail on these gauges but no matter which one goes they almost always do the (return past the bottom reading) thing. I've seen it several friends boats. New gauge has fixed every one.

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Moto,

I have the same issue as well and have learned to live with it. My experiences with older vehicles has shown me the problem usually lies with the the alternator leads or a ground. I just haven't gotten into this one to deeply. I have been busy sorting the stereo and ballast. Sorry I'm of no help. Please post your outcome. Thanks.

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Moto,

I have the same issue as well and have learned to live with it. My experiences with older vehicles has shown me the problem usually lies with the the alternator leads or a ground. I just haven't gotten into this one to deeply. I have been busy sorting the stereo and ballast. Sorry I'm of no help. Please post your outcome. Thanks.

Thanks. Let me know if you need any tips with the stereo / ballast.

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On most digital volt meters, a - volt reading typically means the polarity of the meter leads are reversed. But, the actual voltage reading is still actually correct. In other words, measuring the voltage across the battery post will be identical, regardless of which lead is touched to which post. But you see the (-) when the leads are reversed.

Has there been some wiring work done behind the dash recently? Try disconnecting the leads from the gauge and testing their voltage again.

Thanks MLA. I did hook up a PP about the same time the voltmeter started to act up.

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Perfect Pass can pull some current. Did you connect it to the existing helm BUSS or run dedicated supply wires for it?

I connected it to the helm buss. I have a line on a new gauge so hopefully I can run down the electrical issue before I get it.

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I have a new gauge on the way so we'll see if that clears up the issue as Grandude suggests. I'm betting it will since I suspect a busted stepper motor has allowed the dial to go backwards.

I fixed the -20V issue yesterday and started getting a reading of around 3V when connecting J & G. I was expecting to see 12V per the troubleshooting guide that EastTNVLX posted above but was only seeing around 3V. I was suspecting more issues...but today I was told that 12V will be shown when you have the gauge lights on. I was testing without lights. It's raining today and the batteries are pulled for maintenance so I'll get some answers this weekend hopefully.

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Moto,

Please post up the results of the gauge swap. I saw a few online, so if it fixes it I may have to bite the bullet! As many of us I am OCD and it being broken is really annoying.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Will do. Gauge should be here this week so I'll post up ASAP. Agreed, broken is annoying!

Any updates on the gauge? Can you share where you got one, I need one too

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