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After replacing my tach and starting the car to check it's operation I noticed only my oil gauge was working. The batter, temp, and fuel gauges are dead. The headlamps work and there is power to the fuses, but there appears to be nothing coming from what I believe is the main power supply to those instruments,(pictured). I also concurrently replaced the IVR (pictured) but there is no power. in or out of it either. I did notice, also, with the ignition switched on the fuel pump runs continuously even though the engine is not running. Sounds like a problem for another day. Anyway, if I am correct in my identification of the instrument power wire which disappears into a loom, can someone advise where to find it's source? power wire to panel gauges? New IVR
and yes, from Mike Frank's post... those U brackets should be removed and stripped of the paint. Failure to ground may be a contributor. Coat them with your choice of stripper and then use synthetic steel wool/red pads to scrub off the residue. Be sure to wear hand protection, stripper is nasty to skin.
Last edited by Valerie Stabenow; Sep 26, 2025 at 08:50 AM.
Reason: addition
Yes, most likely. Following Frank's suggestion, I detached the wires on the "B" (battery) side of the IVR. Engaging the ignition, holding my breath, wah la! The #7 ruse did not blow. On a hunch I installed another IVR, reattached the feed wires and it appears problem solved at least i got instant response from the Battery gauge. The new fuel gauge did not however. The temp gauge would require time so jury still out.
I suspect you are right about the ground. The first IVR has a plastic case and only a metal washer at the attachment point for the mounting screw to ground via the drop down panel door. I did, however, have a separate ground wire running from trom a B side terminal to the clock bracket.
The replacement unit had a metal casing and metal mounting tab through which to secure it to the panel.
It is also possible I blew the first unit up during the "trouble shooting" (trouble making) process.
I'm just glad to be moving on and grateful for all the help received from forum members. Consequently, I managed to mount my new bumpers today and hope to have the tail lamps, etc. installed tomorrow. I'll send pics when it is presntable.
Again, thanks to all that babysat me through my hand wringing. I doubt it will be the last time I will need assistance. These Lakewell interior install instructions are less than adequate, to say the least; I have parts I no longer recognize since it's been 8 months since disassembly.
No Gauges
