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TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
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 dakotasupport@dakotadigital.com.
The most common cause of problems with electric gauges and other sensitive vehicle electronics
is poor ground connections. The engine block has the highest ground currents of any point in the
vehicle. The ignition system, some electric gauge sensors, 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 many unexpected problems that may be 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 turn on Control Box may not be getting Check if the Control Box always has
and status LED is off.
System does not turn on Constant power connected but
and LED flashes RED
every 4 seconds.
System does not turn on The Instrument Cluster may not be Check the display cable between the
and LED is on solid
GREEN
System freezes or hangs The display harness is
and LED is on solid
GREEN
The tachometer will not
show a reading.
* A note on vehicle grounding *
Possible Problem
power.
Control Box may not be getting Check if the Control Box has
a ground.
The Control Box may have
an internal problem
no ignition signal at IGNITION
PWR terminal.
getting power.
damaged.
The Instrument Cluster is not
working.
The Control Box is not connected
to the engine properly.
The engine cylinder setting is
incorrect.
The tach signal setting is
incorrect.
51
Solution
12 volts connected to it's constant
power terminal and 12v to IGNITION
PWR terminal when the key is on.
Do not use a battery charger to
power the system.
a proper ground connection.
Contact Dakota Digital's service
department with a description of
the problem.
Check connection at IGNITION PWR
terminal. There should be 12v when
key is on, and 0v when key is off.
Instrument Cluster and Control Box.
Be sure the connectors are plugged in
Control Box and display securely.
Check the Instrument Cluster wiring
harness for broken or cut wires.
Check the Instrument Cluster wiring
harness for broken or cut wires.
Contact Dakota Digital's service
department with a description of
the problem.
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.
MAN# 650814
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