Gary's Garagemahal (the Bullnose bible)
  • Bullnose Forum
    • Guidelines
    • Ford Truck Show
    • Forum FAQ's
    • Member's Map
    • Forum & Website Issues
    • Test Forum
    • Smilies
  • Documentation
    • Accessories >
      • Air Horns
      • CB Radio
      • Roll Bar
      • Step
      • Tie Down Hooks
      • Tonneau Cover
    • Body >
      • Bronco Rear Window
      • Body Shell, Exterior Trim, Frame & Underbody
      • Door Latches & Locks
      • Door Hinges Checks & Weatherstrips
      • Doors Hood & Tailgate General Service
      • Front Door Window Glass & Mechanisms
      • Hood & Hinges
      • Hood Latch
      • Lock Cylinders & Keys
      • Power Door Locks
      • Power Windows
      • Stationary Glass - Butyl Seal
      • Stationary Glass - Weatherstrip Seal
      • Tailgate
      • Vent Window Mechanism
      • Window Glass & Mechanisms - General Service
    • Bullnose FAQ's
    • Bullnose Upgrades
    • Calibration Info & Part #'s
    • Cooling Systems >
      • Cooling Fan #'s & Illustrations
      • Cooling System Illustrations
      • Coolant Recovery & Windshield Washer Reservoirs
      • Elbows
      • Heater Hoses
      • Hose Clamps
      • Radiator Hoses
      • Radiator Support
      • Radiator Part #'s
      • Shroud Part #'s
      • Thermostats
      • Water Pump #'s & Illustrations
    • Driveline >
      • 4WD Front Hubs & Rotors
      • Axles & Differentials
      • Bell Housings
      • Brakes
      • Calculators
      • Clutches and Linkage
      • Drive Shafts
      • Engine Plates
      • Rear Axle Vents
      • Skid Plates
      • Transfer Cases
      • Transmissions >
        • Transmission & Transfer Case Ratios
        • Automatic Transmission >
          • Automatic Transmission Applications
          • General Automatic Transmission Service
          • Automatic Overdrive (AOD)
          • C6
          • Kickdown Linkage
          • Neutral Start Switch
        • Manual Transmissions >
          • Manual Transmission Applications
          • General Manual Transmission Service
          • 3.03 3-Speed Toploader
          • NP435
          • Single Rail Over Drive (SROD)
          • TOD & SROD Transmissions
          • TOD
          • Warner T-18 & T-19
          • ZF5
        • Over/Under Drives
      • Speedometer Gears, Cables, & Sensors
      • Wheels & Tires
      • Wheel Covers
    • Electrical >
      • 3G Conversion >
        • 3G Conversion - In Development
        • 3G Writeup From Lucas
      • Alternators
      • Ammeter
      • Batteries
      • Battery Cables
      • Battery Trays
      • Circuit Protection
      • Clocks
      • Computer Internals
      • Connectors
      • Distributors
      • Electrical Connectors
      • Electronic Engine Control (EEC)
      • Electricity 099
      • EVTM >
        • 1980 EVTM
        • 1981 EVTM
        • 1985 EVTM
        • 1986 EVTM
        • 1996 EVTM >
          • Index
          • Charging System
          • Daytime Running Lamps
          • Engine Control - 4.9L
          • Engine Control - 5.0L
          • Engine Control - 5.8L Under 8500 GVW
          • Engine Control - 5.8L Over 8500 & 7.5L EEC-IV
          • Engine Control - 7.5L EEC-V
          • Engine Control - Turbo Diesel
          • Fuse Panel & Circuit Protection
          • Grounds
          • How To Use This Manual
          • Ignition System
          • Keyless Entry
          • Power Distribution
          • Speed Control
          • Starting System
          • Transmission Control - 4R70W
          • Transmission Control - E4OD
      • Gauges
      • Ground Wires >
        • Engine-to-Firewall Ground
        • Battery to Ground
        • Battery to RH Fender
        • Firewall to Hood
      • ICVR
      • Ignition
      • Lighting >
        • Dome and Cargo Lights
        • Fog or Driving Lights
        • Headlight Wiring Harness
        • Lighting & Calculations
        • Tag Lights
      • PMGR Starter Wiring
      • Radios
      • Relays
      • Sending Units
      • Speed Control
      • Standard Wire And Color Codes
      • Switches
      • Tachometers
      • Terminals & Connectors
      • Voltage Drop Testing
      • Windshield Wipers
      • Wiring Connectors
      • Wiring Diagrams
      • Wiring Harnesses
      • Wire Routing
    • Emissions >
      • Understanding Emissions Controls
      • Inferred Mileage
      • Thermactor Systems
    • Engines >
      • Compression Ratio Calculator
      • General Engine Service
      • 3.8L (232) V6
      • 300 Six
      • Windsor Series
      • 351M and 400
      • 385 Series
      • IDI Diesel
      • Drive Belts
      • EGR Valves >
        • EGR System Description & Testing
        • EGR Spacer
        • Gasket: Carb/EGR to Intake (9447)
      • Flywheels
      • Manifolds, EGR, Heat Valves, etc
      • Engine Swaps >
        • 300 Six to Small-Block V8
      • Pulleys
      • Starters
    • Exhaust Systems
    • Exterior >
      • Beds, Tailgates, and Components
      • Bumpers
      • Exterior Mirrors
      • Exterior Moulding Retainers
      • Exterior Trim and Moulding
      • Frames >
        • Engine Perches
      • Fuel Filler Doors
      • Name Plates
      • Push Bars
      • Spare Tire Carriers
      • Stationary Glass - Butyl Type Seal
      • Tape And Decal Application
    • Fasteners & Illustrations >
      • Fastener Pictures
      • Fenders and Aprons
      • Frame
      • Headlights and Turn Signals
      • Hood
      • Radiator and Grille
    • Fuel & Air Systems >
      • 1985-1986 Fuel System Adjustments
      • 460 Fuel Systems
      • Air Cleaners
      • Carburetors, Chokes, & EFI >
        • EFI Idle Speed Adjustment
        • Jetting
        • How To Find Carb Parts
        • Chokes
        • Carter YFA 1bbl
        • EFI
        • Edelbrock
        • Motorcraft 2150
        • Holley 4180C
        • Motorcraft 7200 VV
      • Correct Cold Starting Procedures
      • Diagnostics
      • Fuel System Illustrations >
        • Fuel Filler Pipes
        • 1980-84 F-Series & Bronco
        • 1983-84 F-Series Diesel
        • 1983-87 F350 Chassis Cab DRW
        • 1985 F-Series 302 w/EFI
        • 1985-87 Bronco
        • 1985 on F-Series
      • Fuel System Part #'s >
        • Fuel Filler Pipes
        • Fuel Senders & Pumps
        • Fuel Tanks
        • Fuel Tank Selector Switch
        • Fuel Tank Selector Valve
        • Fuel Tank Shields
        • Fuel Vapor Valve
        • Fuel Vapor Separator
      • Fuel System Wiring
    • HVAC >
      • Blend Door Repair
      • HVAC Systems
      • 300 Six Compressor Illustrations
      • Factory A/C Brackets
    • Interchange >
      • Air Conditioning Interchange
      • Alternator Interchange
      • Brake Interchange
      • Carburetor Interchange
      • Crankshaft Interchange
      • Diesel Injector Pump Interchange
      • Distributor Interchange
      • Fuel Pump Interchange
      • Head Interchange
      • Starter Interchange
      • Steering Interchange
      • Window Lift Motor Interchange
      • Water Pump Interchange
    • Interior >
      • Behind The Seat Storage
      • Boots
      • Carpet
      • Dash
      • Doors >
        • Door Locks
        • Door Panels
        • Electric Windows & Locks
        • Handles & Boot
        • Vent Windows
        • Windows
      • Horn Pads
      • Insulation
      • Interior Soft Trim
      • Interior Trim
      • Instrument Panel Name Plates
      • Instrument & Radio Bezels
      • Kick Panels
      • Knobs
      • Painting Gauge Needles
      • Rear Corner Trim
      • Rear View Mirror
      • Salvaging Rosewood
      • Seat Belts
      • Seat Interchangeability
      • Seats & Seat Tracks
      • Sill Plates
      • Steering Columns & Steering Wheels
      • Sun Visors
    • Picture Galleries >
      • 1981 F100 With 318 Miles
      • 1983 XLS Survivor
      • 1983 Ford Bronco 4x4 Dobbs-Stroppe Team Chase Car
      • 1983 Bronco Survivor
      • 1984 Bronco XLT
      • 1984 F150 XL
      • 1984 F150 Survivor
      • 1984 FORD F-150 XLT PICKUP
      • 1985 F-150 Survivor
      • 1985 F150 4×4 Flareside
      • Big Blackie
      • Big Blue >
        • Big Blues Documentation
      • Dad's Truck >
        • Air Cleaner
        • Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
        • Electrical Components >
          • Alternator
          • Battery
          • Power Distribution
        • Gauges
        • Engine
        • Frame
        • Seats
        • Transfer Case
        • Transmission
      • Rusty
    • Reference >
      • Hose & Fittings
      • Standard & Utility Parts Catalog
    • Specifications >
      • Assembly Plants
      • Axle Ratios
      • Body Codes - Interior
      • Build Sheet Interpretation
      • Dimensions and Weights
      • Interior Paint
      • Calibration Codes
      • Certification Label
      • DSO Codes
      • Electrical
      • Engine Codes
      • Exterior Paint Codes
      • 10-01 Identification Codes
      • Lubricant Specifications
      • Model Codes
      • Spring Codes
      • Standard Features And Options
      • Towing
      • Transmission Codes
      • Tape Stripe Codes >
        • Bronco Tape Stripe Codes
        • F-Series Tape Stripe Codes
      • VIN Decoding
    • Suspension & Steering >
      • 2WD Spindles
      • Alignment
      • Body Mounts
      • Crossmembers
      • Front Suspension
      • Steering >
        • General Steering Service
        • Coupling - Rag Joint
        • Manual Steering Gear Box
        • Power Steering
        • Saginaw Conversions
        • Steering Columns
        • Tie Rods and Drag Links
      • Rear Suspension >
        • Auxiliary Springs
        • Rear Springs
      • Sway Bar
    • TSB's >
      • TSB Index
      • TSB Bulletin List
      • Body/Windnoise/Water Leaks/Trim >
        • 81-06-13 Bumper Guard & Tire Carrier
        • 81-7-23 Seat Belts Become Too Tight
        • 83-3-15 Pickup Box Alignment
        • 81-06-15 Pickup Box Wood Floor Replacement
        • 83-13-4 Sheet Metal Welding Procedures
        • 83-16-17 Pickup Box Lean
        • 83-24-18 Swing-Lock Mirror Moves
        • 83-13-22 Electric Mirror Loose Glass
        • 83-24-19 Mirror Head Vibration
        • 87-01-18 Tool Box Mount
      • Electrical / Climate Control / Starting / Charging >
        • 80-4-13S A/C RAPID ON-OFF CYCLING OF COMPRESSOR CLUTCH
        • 81-1-10 FM Radio Interference
        • 81-7-24 Temperature Control Cable Too Long
        • 84-24-9 Noise - Radio Ignition Buzz
        • 87-03-07 EEC-IV Driveability TSB Summary
        • 87-07-20 Radio Ignition Noise
        • 87-21-10 EEC-IV Diagnostics
        • 88-05-07 Malfunction Indicator Light Introduction
        • 89-22-08 Emissions Maintenance Warning Module
        • 90-25-12 Speed Control
        • 96-21-04 2G Alternator Repair
      • Brakes/Steering/Suspension/Wheels >
        • 80-14-14-S STEERING
        • 81-06-04 Integral Power Steering Gear
        • 81-06-16 Front Wheel Grease Seal Gaskets
        • 81-06-17 Rear Parking Brake Cables
        • 81-2-25 REAR SUSPENSION TORQUE SPECS
        • 89-19-01 Brake Noise Recap Of TSB's
        • 89-25-16 Brake Ride Height Proportioning Valve
        • 90-13-9 Frame Cracking At Rear Shock Mount
        • 96-15-11 Frame-Rivet Replacement With Bolts
        • 97-03-10 Frame Creaking/Popping
        • Steering Gear Frame Liner
      • Engine/Cooling System/Exhaust >
        • 81-2-27 ENGINE DETONATION
        • 83-13-7 Correct Oil Fill Level
        • 83-25-21 Air Cleaner Sealing
        • 83-13-8 RTV Sealant - New Material
        • 87-06-10 Stall/No Start: TFI
        • 88-07-16 4.9L Exhaust Manifold Warping
      • Transmission/Clutch/Driveshaft/Axle >
        • 81-5-15 AOD TRANSMISSION
        • 81-06-18 Clutch Housing Fills w/Mud/Dirt
        • 81-07-25 Clutch Shudder/Chatter In Reverse
        • 81-7-26 Missing Shims On SROD
        • 82-25-16(S) Upshift Indicator Light
        • 83-3-23 Axle Lubricant Drain And Refill
        • 83-23-17 8.8" Rear Axle Vent
        • 84-24-13 Transfer Case - Grinding/Block-Out
        • 90-16-07 High Clutch Effort
      • Driveability/Fuel/Ignition/Emissions >
        • 81-6-19 Cold Driveaway Performance Improvements
        • 81-6-20 Piston Slap During Cold Driveaway
        • 81-6-21 Power Valve Vacuum Hose
        • 83-11-12-S Stall/No Start/Hessitation
        • 88-05-14 Low Oil Pressure
        • 91-25-07 IAC Bypass
        • EMW Module
      • Noise/Vibration/Ride/Squeaks/Rattles >
        • 80-1-12-S REAR SPRING SQUEAK
      • Miscellaneous/General >
        • 83-14-1 UNDERHOOD PRODUCTION STAMP RELOCATION
      • Health/Safety/Environmental Hazard information
      • CALIBRATION: 4-53F-R00
      • Fuel Cross-Flow
    • Underhood >
      • Cowl Seal
      • Engine Compartment Lamp
      • Fender Aprons
      • Jacks, Lug Wrenches, etc
      • Speed Control
      • Tool Box
    • Vacuum Systems >
      • Vacuum System Acronyms
      • Vacuum Diagrams >
        • 300 Six
        • 302/5.0L
        • 351W
        • 351M/400
        • 460 V8
      • Vacuum Fittings
      • Vacuum Reservoirs
      • Vacuum System Requirements
      • Vacuum System Testing
    • Metrics
    • About Me/Contact Me >
      • Youth Classes >
        • Automotive Maintenance >
          • Fall of 2015
        • Building Web Sites >
          • Lesson 1
          • Lesson 2
          • Lesson 3
          • LTC
        • Overview of Paul's Life, Journeys, & Works >
          • Lesson 1
          • Lesson 2
      • Projects >
        • Engine Cradle
        • Gauge Pocket
        • Rear Bumper And Spare Tire Carrier
    • Year-To-Year Differences >
      • Door Locks & Turn Signals
    • Test Page
    • 91-6-7 Sterling 10.25 Hub Leaks
  • Manuals & Literature
  • About
  • Truck Shows
    • 2020 Truck Show >
      • Entrant #1: Dad's Truck
      • Entrant #2: Big Blue
      • Entrant #3: Tommy Sides 1986 F150
      • Entrant #4: Darth/Bill Vose
      • Entrant #5: Sam Noller's 1985 Bronco
      • Entrant #6: Mein Laster
      • Entrant #7: Andre's Bronco
      • Entrant #8: Chad's Rosebud
      • Entrant #9: Matthew’s Truck of Doom
      • Entrant #10: Ron's Flareside
      • Entrant #11: Cory's Blue Mule
      • Entrant #12: Ratdude747'S 1984 F150
      • Entrant #13: Ratdude747's '95 Ranger
      • Entrant #14: Heinz' 1986 F150
      • Entrant #15: Anna's Toy
      • Entrant #16: Frank's 1981 F-150 Custom
      • Entrant # 17: Petes 1981 F150 Flareside
      • Entrant #18: Eric's F250 XLT Lariat
      • Entrant #19: Geejaypea's Georgian Hulk
      • Entrant #20: JohnnyBronco85's Bronco
      • Entrant #21: Skaeke's 1985 F150 Lariat
      • Entrant #22: Sam1982's F100
      • Entrant #23: NostraDanus' 1986 Bronco
      • Entrant #24: MarkF100's F100
      • Entrant #25: Bruce moose4x4's 1996 Bronco
      • Entrant #26: Bruce Mooose4x4's 1995 F150
      • Entrant #27: Troy/66gtk's 1983 F150 XL SWB 4x2
      • Entrant #28: Matt Wood's 1985 Bronco
      • Entrant #29: WelderScott's '78 F150
      • Entrant #30: Mehmetcelikel's Brownie Dually
      • Entrant #31: Kristopherdb's 1985 Flairside 4x4
      • Entrant #32: Clifton's Tessa
      • Entrant #33: BinFord's Beverly
      • Entrant #34: BinFord's Crackling Rosie
      • Entrant #35: Dan aka dblohowiak's 1986 F250HD
      • Entrant #36: Jonathan's 1981 F150
      • Entrant #37: Jonathan's 1995 F Superduty
      • Entrant #38: Jonathan's 1986 F350 short bed crew cab IDI
      • Entrant #39: Brian's 1986 F250
      • Entrant #40: Jay's 1986 F150
      • Entrant #41: Eddie's 1981 F100 Custom
      • Entrant #42: Nick & George's Brutus
      • Entrant #43: Matthew's 1983 F350
      • Entrant #44: Hogie's 81 F250
      • Entrant #45: TontoKowalski's 1985 F150
      • Entrant #46: Danny's 1982 Bronco
      • Entrant #47: Greg's 1980 F150 Ranger XLT
      • Entrant #48: Chris' 1982 XLS
      • Entrant #49: Chris' 1985 Bronco
      • Entrant #50: Ken & Kathy's 1977 F250
      • Entrant #51: Ken & Kathy's 1985 Flareside
      • Entrant #52: Kevin/Teach's F250 Lariat
    • 2021 Truck Show
    • 2022 Truck Show
  • New Bullnose Test Forum
  • Bullnose Forum
    • Guidelines
    • Ford Truck Show
    • Forum FAQ's
    • Member's Map
    • Forum & Website Issues
    • Test Forum
    • Smilies
  • Documentation
    • Accessories >
      • Air Horns
      • CB Radio
      • Roll Bar
      • Step
      • Tie Down Hooks
      • Tonneau Cover
    • Body >
      • Bronco Rear Window
      • Body Shell, Exterior Trim, Frame & Underbody
      • Door Latches & Locks
      • Door Hinges Checks & Weatherstrips
      • Doors Hood & Tailgate General Service
      • Front Door Window Glass & Mechanisms
      • Hood & Hinges
      • Hood Latch
      • Lock Cylinders & Keys
      • Power Door Locks
      • Power Windows
      • Stationary Glass - Butyl Seal
      • Stationary Glass - Weatherstrip Seal
      • Tailgate
      • Vent Window Mechanism
      • Window Glass & Mechanisms - General Service
    • Bullnose FAQ's
    • Bullnose Upgrades
    • Calibration Info & Part #'s
    • Cooling Systems >
      • Cooling Fan #'s & Illustrations
      • Cooling System Illustrations
      • Coolant Recovery & Windshield Washer Reservoirs
      • Elbows
      • Heater Hoses
      • Hose Clamps
      • Radiator Hoses
      • Radiator Support
      • Radiator Part #'s
      • Shroud Part #'s
      • Thermostats
      • Water Pump #'s & Illustrations
    • Driveline >
      • 4WD Front Hubs & Rotors
      • Axles & Differentials
      • Bell Housings
      • Brakes
      • Calculators
      • Clutches and Linkage
      • Drive Shafts
      • Engine Plates
      • Rear Axle Vents
      • Skid Plates
      • Transfer Cases
      • Transmissions >
        • Transmission & Transfer Case Ratios
        • Automatic Transmission >
          • Automatic Transmission Applications
          • General Automatic Transmission Service
          • Automatic Overdrive (AOD)
          • C6
          • Kickdown Linkage
          • Neutral Start Switch
        • Manual Transmissions >
          • Manual Transmission Applications
          • General Manual Transmission Service
          • 3.03 3-Speed Toploader
          • NP435
          • Single Rail Over Drive (SROD)
          • TOD & SROD Transmissions
          • TOD
          • Warner T-18 & T-19
          • ZF5
        • Over/Under Drives
      • Speedometer Gears, Cables, & Sensors
      • Wheels & Tires
      • Wheel Covers
    • Electrical >
      • 3G Conversion >
        • 3G Conversion - In Development
        • 3G Writeup From Lucas
      • Alternators
      • Ammeter
      • Batteries
      • Battery Cables
      • Battery Trays
      • Circuit Protection
      • Clocks
      • Computer Internals
      • Connectors
      • Distributors
      • Electrical Connectors
      • Electronic Engine Control (EEC)
      • Electricity 099
      • EVTM >
        • 1980 EVTM
        • 1981 EVTM
        • 1985 EVTM
        • 1986 EVTM
        • 1996 EVTM >
          • Index
          • Charging System
          • Daytime Running Lamps
          • Engine Control - 4.9L
          • Engine Control - 5.0L
          • Engine Control - 5.8L Under 8500 GVW
          • Engine Control - 5.8L Over 8500 & 7.5L EEC-IV
          • Engine Control - 7.5L EEC-V
          • Engine Control - Turbo Diesel
          • Fuse Panel & Circuit Protection
          • Grounds
          • How To Use This Manual
          • Ignition System
          • Keyless Entry
          • Power Distribution
          • Speed Control
          • Starting System
          • Transmission Control - 4R70W
          • Transmission Control - E4OD
      • Gauges
      • Ground Wires >
        • Engine-to-Firewall Ground
        • Battery to Ground
        • Battery to RH Fender
        • Firewall to Hood
      • ICVR
      • Ignition
      • Lighting >
        • Dome and Cargo Lights
        • Fog or Driving Lights
        • Headlight Wiring Harness
        • Lighting & Calculations
        • Tag Lights
      • PMGR Starter Wiring
      • Radios
      • Relays
      • Sending Units
      • Speed Control
      • Standard Wire And Color Codes
      • Switches
      • Tachometers
      • Terminals & Connectors
      • Voltage Drop Testing
      • Windshield Wipers
      • Wiring Connectors
      • Wiring Diagrams
      • Wiring Harnesses
      • Wire Routing
    • Emissions >
      • Understanding Emissions Controls
      • Inferred Mileage
      • Thermactor Systems
    • Engines >
      • Compression Ratio Calculator
      • General Engine Service
      • 3.8L (232) V6
      • 300 Six
      • Windsor Series
      • 351M and 400
      • 385 Series
      • IDI Diesel
      • Drive Belts
      • EGR Valves >
        • EGR System Description & Testing
        • EGR Spacer
        • Gasket: Carb/EGR to Intake (9447)
      • Flywheels
      • Manifolds, EGR, Heat Valves, etc
      • Engine Swaps >
        • 300 Six to Small-Block V8
      • Pulleys
      • Starters
    • Exhaust Systems
    • Exterior >
      • Beds, Tailgates, and Components
      • Bumpers
      • Exterior Mirrors
      • Exterior Moulding Retainers
      • Exterior Trim and Moulding
      • Frames >
        • Engine Perches
      • Fuel Filler Doors
      • Name Plates
      • Push Bars
      • Spare Tire Carriers
      • Stationary Glass - Butyl Type Seal
      • Tape And Decal Application
    • Fasteners & Illustrations >
      • Fastener Pictures
      • Fenders and Aprons
      • Frame
      • Headlights and Turn Signals
      • Hood
      • Radiator and Grille
    • Fuel & Air Systems >
      • 1985-1986 Fuel System Adjustments
      • 460 Fuel Systems
      • Air Cleaners
      • Carburetors, Chokes, & EFI >
        • EFI Idle Speed Adjustment
        • Jetting
        • How To Find Carb Parts
        • Chokes
        • Carter YFA 1bbl
        • EFI
        • Edelbrock
        • Motorcraft 2150
        • Holley 4180C
        • Motorcraft 7200 VV
      • Correct Cold Starting Procedures
      • Diagnostics
      • Fuel System Illustrations >
        • Fuel Filler Pipes
        • 1980-84 F-Series & Bronco
        • 1983-84 F-Series Diesel
        • 1983-87 F350 Chassis Cab DRW
        • 1985 F-Series 302 w/EFI
        • 1985-87 Bronco
        • 1985 on F-Series
      • Fuel System Part #'s >
        • Fuel Filler Pipes
        • Fuel Senders & Pumps
        • Fuel Tanks
        • Fuel Tank Selector Switch
        • Fuel Tank Selector Valve
        • Fuel Tank Shields
        • Fuel Vapor Valve
        • Fuel Vapor Separator
      • Fuel System Wiring
    • HVAC >
      • Blend Door Repair
      • HVAC Systems
      • 300 Six Compressor Illustrations
      • Factory A/C Brackets
    • Interchange >
      • Air Conditioning Interchange
      • Alternator Interchange
      • Brake Interchange
      • Carburetor Interchange
      • Crankshaft Interchange
      • Diesel Injector Pump Interchange
      • Distributor Interchange
      • Fuel Pump Interchange
      • Head Interchange
      • Starter Interchange
      • Steering Interchange
      • Window Lift Motor Interchange
      • Water Pump Interchange
    • Interior >
      • Behind The Seat Storage
      • Boots
      • Carpet
      • Dash
      • Doors >
        • Door Locks
        • Door Panels
        • Electric Windows & Locks
        • Handles & Boot
        • Vent Windows
        • Windows
      • Horn Pads
      • Insulation
      • Interior Soft Trim
      • Interior Trim
      • Instrument Panel Name Plates
      • Instrument & Radio Bezels
      • Kick Panels
      • Knobs
      • Painting Gauge Needles
      • Rear Corner Trim
      • Rear View Mirror
      • Salvaging Rosewood
      • Seat Belts
      • Seat Interchangeability
      • Seats & Seat Tracks
      • Sill Plates
      • Steering Columns & Steering Wheels
      • Sun Visors
    • Picture Galleries >
      • 1981 F100 With 318 Miles
      • 1983 XLS Survivor
      • 1983 Ford Bronco 4x4 Dobbs-Stroppe Team Chase Car
      • 1983 Bronco Survivor
      • 1984 Bronco XLT
      • 1984 F150 XL
      • 1984 F150 Survivor
      • 1984 FORD F-150 XLT PICKUP
      • 1985 F-150 Survivor
      • 1985 F150 4×4 Flareside
      • Big Blackie
      • Big Blue >
        • Big Blues Documentation
      • Dad's Truck >
        • Air Cleaner
        • Aluminum Wheel Refinishing
        • Electrical Components >
          • Alternator
          • Battery
          • Power Distribution
        • Gauges
        • Engine
        • Frame
        • Seats
        • Transfer Case
        • Transmission
      • Rusty
    • Reference >
      • Hose & Fittings
      • Standard & Utility Parts Catalog
    • Specifications >
      • Assembly Plants
      • Axle Ratios
      • Body Codes - Interior
      • Build Sheet Interpretation
      • Dimensions and Weights
      • Interior Paint
      • Calibration Codes
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instrument cluster voltage regulator

Understanding Ford's 1980 - 86 Instrument Cluster Voltage Regulator, & replacing it for better gauge operation.
Picture
1980 - 86 Ford Trucks
  • Electrical
    • Ammeter
    • Electricity 099
    • EVTM
    • ICVR
    • Ignition Switch
    • Headlight Wiring Harness
    • Wiring Connectors

Ford's Instrument Cluster Voltage Regulator is anything but a voltage regulator.  If you are a glutton for punishment there's a thread on FTE called ICVR Thoughts & Observations which explains, ad naseum, how they work.  And, go here for the schematics for the instrument cluster.

Anyway, forgetting how they are supposed to work, what happens when they don't?  Well, the three gauges the ICVR feeds (oil pressure, water temp, and fuel level) go wonky.  Sometimes they don't work at all.  Other times they work some of the time and then, in unison, go higher in the range.  And other times they show much higher readings than they should.  So, if you are chasing problems make sure to watch all three gauges.  If they are working/not working together then the ICVR is the suspected culprit.

Ok, what does an ICVR look like, and where does it hide?  The picture at the top of the page shows what it looks like in its natural habitat - the back of the instrument cluster:
So, now that we know where it hides, how do we replace it?  Well, there are basically two options.  You can find another one, maybe from a salvage, or you can replace it with a real voltage regulator to fix the problem once and for all.  I like the latter solution as I don't like to worry about my gauges.  In fact, since I've replaced the ICVR with a solid-state voltage regulator my gauges have never given me problems.  But, I still run redundant mechanical gauges.

There are two ways to obtain a nice solid-state ICVR:
  1. Buy: If you want to buy one, Dennis Carpenter appears to have a nice one that will plug right in.
  2. Make: If you want to make your own then I recommend buying a DE-SWADJ3 from Dimension Engineering.​

​However, making your own isn't as simple as just buying the DE-SWADj3 regulator since it doesn't come ready to connect to the instrument cluster.  You will need some wire, heat shrink tubing, a ring-tongue terminal, a 9-v battery terminal or an old ICVR, and a soldering pen.  I used #16 wire, so small tubing to fit that is good.  And the ring-tongue terminal should take that wire and accept a #8 screw - the one shown in the picture above.  As for the 9v battery terminal or old ICVR, you need some way to connect to the terminals on the instrument circuit film.  I used a 9 volt battery terminal, but Clayton Niedzielski pointed out that you can use an old ICVR by taking the shell and electrical parts off and soldering to the remaining terminals.  I like his approach better than mine, but since most of the pics below show my approach I'll outline both.


As for a source for the 9 volt battery connector, Bentronics says they have it but I haven't purchased from them before so don't know anything about them.  Or, you could do like I did and get one from an expired 9v battery, although it isn't always easy to solder to those connectors.  But the battery terminal has to be cut apart so the terminals are separate since the ICVR's terminal spacing isn't the same as a 9v battery.  The male battery terminal gets wired to the terminal on the regulator marked Vin.  The female battery terminal gets wired to the terminal on the regulator marked Vout.  And the ring-tongue terminal is wired to the terminal on the regulator marked GND.
Here's a picture of the wires soldered to the regulator:
Picture


​

And here's the heat-shrink tubing protecting the connections:
Picture

​


Here's the red wire, which in my case goes to Vin, soldered to the male battery terminal:
Picture

​


But, you need to protect the connection, so I put hot-melt glue on it:
Picture
Here's Clayton's approach - use the connector portion of your old ICVR, strip off all the electrical components, and solder to the remaining leads.  I like it a lot better than my 9 volt battery connector.
Picture

​


Then, with a bit of convoluted tubing for protection of the wires themselves, the whole unit looks like this:
Picture

Now you need to hook it up to the instrument panel, as shown below.  And then you'll need to dial in the voltage to 5.4 volts to calibrate the regulator.  There's a screw on the end of the regulator that adjusts the voltage.  Put the red lead of your meter on the female battery terminal and the black one on the ground wire at the screw, turn the key on, and quickly turn the screw to dial the voltage down to 5.4 volts.
Picture


And, you just need to find some place to stash the regulator itself.  I used a clamp and put it against the metal of the steering column clamp for a heat sink.  But, I was using the 1 amp unit and if you are using the 3 amp unit there's no need to worry about having a heat sink.  Just use a wire tie and secure it to something behind the instrument panel.
Picture
That's all there is to it.  Now you should have reliable gauges and you've peeled one more layer on the onion.  Happy motoring!