Testing Dash

[72cudamaan]

So I'm thinking of hooking up a battery charger to my dash while it's on a stand. Maybe hook up the steering column
at the same time. Anyone think of a good reason why this might be a bad idea? I am just hoping to make sure everything
works properly before putting it in the car. Thanks for any input.

[usraptr]

 

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Andy,

 I'm not sure what you can accomplish here, other than not seeing smoke. The gauges won't respond until they get input from their sending units. If you have Rally gauges, the clock would work.

[4Cruizn]

I remember when Redline did that with his dash for the challenger . . . Didn't have any issues that I remember.   

[Jamiez]

You can build a gauge tester using a few cheap parts and a 5v source (you can usually find a phone charger or similar that is 5v).  You can find some details here:
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,37999.0.html

Towards the end of the first page he goes over the testing

[72cudamaan]

I was figuring on testing the turn signals,dash lights,plug in the headlight harness and test for power at headlights, dome light
In general, just checking for power at all of the connectors.

['Cuda Hunter]

Do you mean a stand like this?

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=97447.msg960475#msg960475

[edl94]

Whatever you decide to do don't use a battery charger by itself. Without a battery the charger will have no reference for its output and could pump out unsafe voltage and amperage levels. 

[72cudamaan]

Whatever you decide to do don't use a battery charger by itself. Without a battery the charger will have no reference for its output and could pump out unsafe voltage and amperage levels.

Hadn't thought of that. Just assumed the charger would put out 12 volts. Thanks for the heads up. 

[72cudamaan]

Do you mean a stand like this?

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=97447.msg960475#msg960475

Yep, something close to that.

[publicbottle]

sometimes i use my drill battery (14.4V) as a power source for testing random things on old automotive systems. seems to work fine with a couple jumpers and alligator clips

[usraptr]

My son, the mechanic, came over this morning and we tested my Rallye gauge cluster.  Fortunately all the gauges, clock and speedo works.  However, we couldn't figure out how to test the tach.  Is there any way to bench test the tach or do you have to have it hooked up to a running motor?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

My son, the mechanic, came over this morning and we tested my Rallye gauge cluster.  Fortunately all the gauges, clock and speedo works.  However, we couldn't figure out how to test the tach.  Is there any way to bench test the tach or do you have to have it hooked up to a running motor?

There is a way to bench test a tach, but I don't know it for sure.   

I have a feeling it involves a signal generator being connected to the signal wire of the tach.  You vary the frequency of the signal generated, your tach should respond accordingly.  Now, just what frequency is = to 1000 RPM's, I don't know. I'm in over my head here.   

[usraptr]

Thanks MEK-Dangerfield.     That's what I thought.

[73EStroker]

Andy, did you upgrade the tach and clock? If so RTE has a tach exerciser that swings the tach from zero to full scale continuously. It also calibrates the tach at 1000/4000 rpm. I have an exerciser that does this but live in Western Canada. Also you can hook 12 v to your gauges but make sure you are on the correct terminal. Then you can ground out the oil, gas and temp gauges, on the sensor connection terminals, to watch them go to full scale.