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Power gauge staying on


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Is it staying on, or not returning to the left when you shut off the engine? What year is your MJ? I believe the 84 - 86 models had gauges that didn't zero when shut off.

 

It's easy to check. Shut off the engine. If the gauge stays pointing at whatever your normal voltage is (around 13.5?) -- disconnect the battery. If the gauge still reads 13.5, it's not staying on, it's just not returning to a "rest" position when not energized.

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well my manche is an 88...when i turn it off the voltage goes down to 12 from 14 then if i don't start the truck for 2 days it will die on me I'm guessin that the gauge is staying on and therefore slowly draining my battery what do u think ive chexked everything and there nothing that can stay on to drain my brand new battery

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It could be a small short in the system. A truck to narrow down which circuit is the culprit is to pull out one fuse at a time and check the amps at the battery using a multimeter. In fact, you should probably first verify that there is indeed a drain and it's not simply a failing battery (which you can get checked out for free at many auto parts stores).

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i noticed that if i disconnect my battery it goes to zero....

That was what I suggested that you check.

 

Yeah, if it's an '88 you have a short, and it probably is draining the battery. You might start your search with the ignition switch, since that's what SHOULD turn the guage off. The actual switch isn't in the steering column at the key, it's mounted on the base of the steering column.

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i noticed that if i disconnect my battery it goes to zero....

That was what I suggested that you check.

 

Yeah, if it's an '88 you have a short, and it probably is draining the battery. You might start your search with the ignition switch, since that's what SHOULD turn the guage off. The actual switch isn't in the steering column at the key, it's mounted on the base of the steering column.

That was going to be my suggestion as the culprit too. I have sold several of those switches for similar issues over the past few years.
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