Troubleshooting Guide - Dakota Digital VFD3 Installation And Operation Manual

This is a list of some problems and their solutions which may be encountered when installing your
instrumentation system. If you cannot determine what the problem is or how to solve it, please call our
technical assistance line (605) 332-6513 or email to dakotasupport@dakotadigital.com.
The most common cause of problems with electric gauges is poor ground connections. The
engine block has the highest ground currents of any point in the vehicle. The ignition system, electric
gauge senders, starter, alternator, etc. all use the engine block for a ground point. Since the alternator is
grounded directly to the engine block all ground currents in the entire vehicle must pass through the
engine block while the engine is running. A weak or loose connection can cause all kinds of random
problems that may difficult to track down. The engine block should have heavy ground straps to both the
chassis and the body. The main negative cable from the battery should be connected directly to the
engine block.
Symptom
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System does not light up
and LED off.
System does not light up
and LED is on steady.
System does not light up
and LED is flashing.
One display does not
light up at all, all others
work correctly.
The tachometer will not
show a reading.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

* A note on vehicle grounding. *
Possible Problem
Control box may not be getting
power.
Control box may not be getting
a ground.
The control box may have
an internal problem
Control box may be getting too
low of a voltage.
The display system may not be
getting power.
The display panel
corner of the display is white or
the display is cracked or broken
The control box is not connected
to the engine properly
The engine cylinder setting is
incorrect.
The tach signal setting is
incorrect.
Solution
Check if the control box has
12 volts connected to it.
Check if the control box has
a proper ground connection.
Do not use a battery charger to
power the system.
Contact Dakota Digital's service
department with a description of
the problem.
Check if power to control box is
at least 11 volts.
Do not use a battery charger to
power the system.
Insert the connector on the
display system wiring harness
into the slot on the side of the
control box. Be sure the pins
line up properly.
Check the display system wiring
harness for broken or cut wires.
Return the display panel to
Dakota Digital for repair. Include
a phone number and address.
Make sure the control box is
connected to your particular
ignition system properly.
Refer to the tach setup section
of the installation manual.
Refer to the tach setup section
of the installation manual.
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