Hi, im a new member and i have a question about my gauges. I have no dash lights and my gas gauge and temp gauge dont work eihter. Im thinking its the instrument voltage regulator. What do you guys think? Also where can i get a new one , or is there any thing i can do to fix this one? Its in a 74 dart. Thanks

No dash lights have anything to do with the voltage limiter except for sharing a ground path - most likely you've lost grounding to the dash.

You can use a test light to test for that easily; ground the light well and test it against the fuse box; then turn on the lights and touch it to the headlight knob nut - if the dash lights and test light come on (maybe dimly), you're sure it's a bad ground.

For a few dollars in parts you can build your own modern electronic voltage limiter to replace the original mechanical voltage limiter:

http://www.allpar.com/history/mopar/electrical2.html

http://www.earlycuda.org/tech/gauge-convert.htm

http://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic ... 965#134448

Or you can buy one already made here:

http://www.demonivr.com/index.html

I checked to see if the headlight switch was grounded with my power probe. It is and the dashlights did not come on. Guess i must have to seperate problems. Think i might have to pull out the cluster and see if i see anything wrong. Thanks for the help.

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74 2 door dart. All stock, work in progress!

When you disconnect the plug from the back of the cluster be sure to pull straight.

Do not work it back and forth side to side as this will damage the pins.

Make sure you check the fuses .

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81 Dodge D150
It looked easier in the book .

Already checked all the fuses. Still thinking it has to do with the IVR. Will have to pull the cluster and have a look. Thanks

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74 2 door dart. All stock, work in progress!

Dudley,
I have the same problem with my fuel/temp gauges, and I read the Allpar article. Is the voltage limiter on the back of the gauge cluster only for early 60s cars? I have a 71 dart, is my voltage limiter located in the same place?

Yes, on the back of the cluster.

Two different problems unless you have a bad ground on the cluster. The IVR has nothing to do with the dash lights.

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Chuck Rivers, Webmaster