Combination Meter Lesson Learned

[VegasQX]

In my effort to find a more reasonable and economical means of repairing my dysfunctional combination meter, I happened upon a gentleman in West Covina California who has been repairing Infinity and other digital meters for over 30 years. I was able to have my combination meter completely repaired for $200.00. However, while the meter was out of the truck to be fixed, I figured that I could still drive around locally to accomplish necessary errands and such. This is when I found out that my alternator was bad....or so I thought. I spent the $200.00+ on a new alternator only to have 0 charging volts. So I replaced the new alternator, even though it tested good at the parts counter (have been down this road before). After installing the second new alternator, I still had 0 charging volts at the battery terminal (should be around 14-14.5VDC). So, needless to say, I started checking every thing from fused links to battery posts and on and on and on. Everything was as it should be. So, I decided to address the manual ONE MORE TIME!!! Following the work flow chart and making certain assumptions, it came down to only one possibility; the combination meter has to be in the circuit for the alternator to function. I thought it sounded rather far fetched, as I figured the charge indicator was just part of a signal wire and had no affect on the alternator output. I WAS WRONGGG!!!! If there is an open in the harness from the combination meter to terminal 3 on the alternator (GRND) then the alternator will not put forth a charging voltage. Voila' that is exactly what happened. Once the meter was installed, all is back to normal.

The moral of the story, without the proper indication, the Alternator will not function. So, if you want to have your dysfunctional combination meter repaired ( http://laspeedometer.com/ ) remember that you can not drive very far without the cluster installed. My lessoned learned and I pass it on to you for future reference.

Peace!!
VQX

 

[marctronixx]

what model do yo uhave for reference?

and yes the combination meter is the brain that talks and connects all the devices through the CAN system. As I read your first couple of sentences, I knew where you were going with this.

if you have a later model (2008+) car with the HDD in the system, the AV is the brain which talks to the combination meter. these are the main components in the CAN system.

good post and thanks for the info.

 

[grillmaster]

What was your old combination meter doing that it required repair and how would one know if it was acting up?

What did you do with the two new alternators? Are you out that money?