erratic gauges on an '88 wrangler

[reubenator]

My gauges are all over the place on my wrangler. The fuel gauge bounces back and forth, the oil pressure gauge is pinned to the high side, and the voltage gauge runs anywhere from 10-14 volts. It seem that when the oil pressure periodically reads 40 pounds the voltage only shows about 10-12 volts. The only time the fuel gauge doesn't bounce is when the tank is full. The fuel gauge seems to bounce between it's proper reading and the full line. I know these reading aren't right and I am about to take them all out and replace them with a set of sun mechanical gauges but then I wouldn't know what to do for a fuel gauge. any suggestions?

[soldierp89]

i had the same problem with my 89 wrangler. only the fuel gauge was doing it. i recommend that you test the resistance in the line and if it stays constant than the gauge or the panel is bad. if the resistance jumps around then you have a problem with you sending unit. i just replaced the whole panel from a 94 wrangler. ( the harness has to be changed and the wires spliced but it was worth it.) in 91 they changed the gauges and the are harder to move the needle to eliminate jumpiness. you can test the resistance with a ohm meter. hope this helps

[cooltc2004]

If the oil gauge is pinned to the right, then you have a bad oil pressure switch. I know my fuel gauge does the same thing as yours, I think its probably a common problem.

[bzwrangler]

My fuel guage does the same thing on my 88 YJ. I never messed with it b/c it's on the trail more than the road. If I find anything it'll be posted.