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Topic: Access to voltmeter gauge (Read 972 times) previous topic - next topic

Access to voltmeter gauge

I just signed up on this forum and have a question or two. By the way this is the BEST forum for FT owners I've seen.  First, my voltmeter gauge quit working several trips ago. The batteries were not affected so it appears to me the alternator is working just fine.  I need to open the dash to check the voltmeter and I'm not sure just how. I don't want to damage the dash by just prying. The coach is a 2001 U320, build #5809. I do have a mobil tech coming out in two days to check/fix a few things but I would like to "open" the dash beforehand.
The second queston is re:build sheet. Not knowing who to ask at FOT I would like to know if there is a build sheet made on each FT unit listing the factory components, running gear etc. I'm in a learning curve re: diesel after having a gasser for the past ten years.

Jon Ohman
Jon Ohman
2001 U320 36'
Build #5809

Re: Access to voltmeter gauge

Reply #1 –
Quote
I need to open the dash to check the voltmeter and I'm not sure just how.
Quote
I don't want to damage the dash by just prying.

The rounded section of the Dash cover is removable by inserting a screwdriver under the edge & pry it up & it just pops out.
You can't hurt it. It is wedged in there.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Access to voltmeter gauge

Reply #2 –
and for those of us with the "older" ones, the dash is hinged on the windshield side, just lift up on the part closest to you. (the curved part)  It does have latches, but mine were non-responsive.
1996 U270
Build #4846

Re: Access to voltmeter gauge

Reply #3 –
Jon,
My 1997 hood is opened by just lifting the hood like the hood of a car with a little resistance.  Maybe mine is older and the hardware used more often.  Post what year, length, and model, so that the answers can be more specific to your coach.
Thank for joining in.  :))
Michael Baldacchino
'97 40' U320

Re: Access to voltmeter gauge

Reply #4 –
Barry you got it right. I pried it out a few minutes ago. Thanks for the info. And thanks to others for there input. :) Barry I sent you an e-mail reply.
Jon Ohman
2001 U320 36'
Build #5809

Re: Access to voltmeter gauge

Reply #5 –
Sam,

Welcome aboard.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Access to voltmeter gauge

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Gayland Baasch –
and for those of us with the "older" ones, the dash is hinged on the windshield side, just lift up on the part closest to you. (the curved part)  It does have latches, but mine were non-responsive.
I wonder if my older, older one ('94) is that way?  Will have to check it out. 
Thanks,
Pat
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Access to voltmeter gauge

Reply #7 –
Sam7, you are not going to want to hear this but if you have an 01 with stewart warner gauges, you will not be able to replace the gauge for your unit. They stopped making that particular set of gauges.  I had to replace my air gauges with some mechanical VDO gauges and leave the others hooked up or I would get an alarm.  Your, options are limited but you might be able to use one of the wires prerun to pull the voltage and bring it up to a stand alone mechanical gauge.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Access to voltmeter gauge

Reply #8 –
Thanks for the info John re:SW gauges. I've ordered a new voltage gauge from Stewart Warner. It will be similar, which is good enough, but won't get it for 2-3 weeks. Hard to find exact replacement of electronics when they get a few years old.
Jon Ohman
2001 U320 36'
Build #5809