Erratic trim gauge -- Alpha I Gen II

[garycinn]

I did a search for trim gauge and either people had gauges pegged in either up or down, or they were trying to replace the sender.<br /><br />I was out yesterday and for the first time I was getting this symptom. No rhyme or reason for when the gauge would start working. When it did work, it was fine. It could start working after a restart or just while I was cruising along.<br /><br />I will start with the gauge diagnosis and work from there. I was just wondering if anyone had any ideas.<br /><br />BTW, trim gauge is VDO, if that matters.<br /><br />2001 Merc 4.3L TBI w/ Alpha I Gen II drive

 

[Don S]

Re: Erratic trim gauge -- Alpha I Gen II

I've found it's usually a sender going bad, but I would sure check the wiring connections on the sender and the gauge before replacing it.<br />You can disconnect the sender and hook it to an ohm meter and trim the drive up and down to see if it's still eratic.<br />Note: I have an ohm meter with a gauge that works better than a digital meter for checking any kind of potentiometers. That needle moving is a lot easier to see and understand than the numbers changing real fast.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Erratic trim gauge -- Alpha I Gen II

Thanks, Don S. That was exactly what I was looking for. I will do some homework and follow-up in this post. <br /><br />It just seemed a little early -- 200 hours on the unit and stuff like this going, but I guess that's life.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Erratic trim gauge -- Alpha I Gen II

I have had a chance to do some troubleshooting. I have reseated the wires and no help. When I press on the face of the gauge, most of the time it will either fail or start working. I am going to troubleshoot further and confirm that it is the gauge.<br /><br />If it is still under the 5 year warranty I'll be happy, if not, they are < $40 for a replacement.

 

[garycinn]

Re: Erratic trim gauge -- Alpha I Gen II

I thought I would post the final outcome.<br /><br />I worked with the gauge some more and confirmed that it had to be it since I could influence it by pressing on the face.<br /><br />I emailed Bryant and the gauge was still under a five year warranty. They sent me a new one. Got it today and it works great. Five minute install with the hardest part lining it up straight in the dash. Just have to send the old one back for warranty exchange.