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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, 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
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
System does not turn on
and status LED is off.
System does not turn on
and LED flashes once
every 4 seconds.
System does not turn on
and LED is on steady.
System does not turn on
and LED is flashing.
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
Constant power connected but
no ignition signal at ACC power
terminal.
Control box may be getting too
low of a voltage.
The display system may not be
getting power.
The control box is not connected
to the engine properly
The tachometer signal wire is
loose or broken.
The engine cylinder setting is
incorrect.
The tach signal setting is
incorrect.
Solution
Check if the control box always has
12 volts connected to it's constant
power terminal and 12v to ACC power
terminal when the key is on.
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 connection at ACC power
terminal. There should be 12v when
key is on, and 0v when key is off.
Check if power to control box is
at least 11 volts.
Do not use a battery charger to
power the system.
Check the patch cable between the
display system and control box.
Be sure the connectors are plugged in
control box and display securely.
Check the display system wiring
harness for broken or cut wires.
Make sure the control box is
connected to your particular
ignition system properly.
Check the connections at both
ends of the wire.
Refer to the tach setup section
of the installation manual.
Refer to the tach setup section
of the installation manual.
29
MAN 650314:D
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