false readings on Temp and Oil guages

...I have Not experienced this 'Maxing' out of the Electrical Gauges. But, I can tell you that most all underdash and other grounds are grounded on a stud that is located WAY up under the dash on the Drivers' side (Left Knee). Practically where the 'A' piller would connect to the ChassisWork. You'll have to lay on your back (first lay down something clean to lay on)and use a flashlight to see it. No less than 9-10 wires are grounded here, on My '74L. Some owners have reported cleaning and tightening the contact points and nut, has helped. If you find that the Nut is Loose? This may be one cause of Your Problem. Good-Luck with it!...

...need to add that the lighting in the Gauges on most of these Panteras, has always been found to be too dim. A common complaint!...

...Did you check the 'Reostat' under the dash by your left knee, right next to the 'Odometer reset knob?? This controls the brightness of all Gauge Lighting!...

Unfortunately I have the same problem with the addtion of the fuel gauge.
Just as unfortunately I have not found the cause of it.

Sorry. Didn't say this to rub it in, just to say that you aren't alone.

I've got the same issue. Welcome to the club.

My car also was experiencing this since I got it 8 years ago. Over the years I'd read a post by someone who said to add a second heavier ground to the black ground wire that feeds all the grounds of the guages & their lights. Recently I finally got around to doing this. I spliced into the black ground wire in the bundle that feeds the guages & spliced in a heavier (16 or 14 ga.-don't remember) wire into it & ran it over to the steering wheel mounting bracket. Drilled a hole for a sheet metal screw in the left hand support & wire wheeled the paint off around it to get a good ground. Crimped & soldered an appropiate ring terminal on my wire & put it all together. Seems to have cured my problem of higher reading gauges when my lights were turnd on! FWIW.

Bob (wish I'd of done it years ago )

quote:

Originally posted by KARLC:
Has anyone experienced this...I turn on my headlights/parking lights, and my temp guage and oil guage go way over to the right. looks like I am overheating and oil pressure is way up.
Must be getting a false Ground someplace. any suggestions? and my lights on my guages are very dim, even with new replacement bulbs.
Thanks

Check the ground under the dash and add another good ground to the gauges. I found my under dash ground wire stud area still had paint on it which makes for a poor electrical contact. The grounding system on these cars is bad and adding an additional ground to the gauges is a good idea. Also make sure that the fuses are clean and are making good contact with the copper prongs in the fuse box. Remember that you are dealing with Lucas the Prince of Darkness.