Voltage gauge bounces all over

[1992f250]

Hey all, new here trying to figure out an issue with my truck it's a 92 f250 7.3 idi the voltage gauge is bouncing around while driving it's at the L in the "normal" usually today is the second time it's done it to me it's got two new batteries and alternator. I'm wondering if the voltage regulator my be playing a part in this while the gauge is bouncing around I can hit the brakes and when the lights come on it stops or when my head lights come on it stops for a few moments then starts again then randomly it will stop bouncing around for a while then randomly start again if my head lights are on while it's doing it they will flicker till the gauge settles back down any help would be much appricated

 

[FoolhardyIDI]

I thought the same thing. My voltage gauge moves around quite a bit as well so I replaced the voltage regulator to no avail. I had already replaced the alternator and the batteries earlier. Im thinking its more the gauge its self than anything else. I hooked up a voltmeter and got a steady reading. As the gauge was still moving.

 

[1992f250]

Thanks for the reply I'm picking up a multimeter after work and gonna check that to see of maybe my gauge is just acting up and no issue with anything else I'm hoping it's just something simple it a bad gauge

 

[Rot Box]

Thanks for the reply I'm picking up a multimeter after work

Good idea that will take all the guess work out of it. Mine started acting weird after I installed a new alternator after checking with my meter it turns out the gauge is just crappy... Like all my other Ford gauges

 

[mblaney]

The only time my gauge bounces is when the GP's are cycling. Maybe just wanna check that they are not cycling for no reason (WTS light might be flickering).

 

[1992f250]

Lol yeah all the fords I have owned had crappy gauges. I haven't seen the wts light flickering and haven't noticed any clicking while the gauge acts up like the plugs are cycling

 

[1992f250]

Seems I found the problem there was a heavily corroded wire that was kinda make shifted into the voltage regulator harness took if off and properly fixed it gauge stopped jumping around

 

[Averysm09]

Lol yeah all the fords I have owned had crappy gauges. I haven't seen the wts light flickering and haven't noticed any clicking while the gauge acts up like the plugs are cycling

That clicking noise that you speak of. I have it, my buddy has it. They are both '93 IDIs, mine is NA, his has a Banks Sidewinder. The "wait to start" light goes off, there is a clicking noise (sounds quite loud) and the voltage gauge jumps back and forth in rhythm with the clicking. I didn't think anything of it (just got my truck and my buddy has had his for over a year now) because he said his has done that since he first got it. Should I worry?

 

[Clb]

Thats the glow plug controller cycling. Normal!

 

[Averysm09]

Boy is that a relief hahaha. I just got the truck, almost a week ago, and I"m going through and replacing the things I can. Most are just interior parts that show normal wear for being 22 years old, and I also plan on changing coolant and engine oil along with fuel filter. I appreciate you clearing that up for me Clb!

 

[Clb]

No sweat, hit the stickies for info and what to be looking for.
Have fun.

 

[olesmokey]

Mine was bouncing back n forth going crazy and it was my voltage regulator

1990 f350 zf5
1984 f250 t19