Equus 8243 User Manual [en, es, fr]

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
ELECTRICAL GAUGES/KITS

PREPARATION FOR INSTALLATION

1

Copyright © 2012 IEC. All Rights Reserved.

MRP #93-0011 Rev. E

FUEL LEVEL
OIL PRESSURE
TEMPERATURE

This section

must

be read and followed before installation of the gauge is per-

formed.

1. Read instructions completely before installation.

2. Install gauges only when engine is cool and ignition is off.

3. Make sure all necessary tools, materials, and parts are on hand.

4. Always read the vehicle's service manual and follow it’s safety precautions

before any test or service procedure is performed.

5. Disconnect negative (-) battery cable before installing gauges (do not forget to
reconnect battery after installation is complete).

6. Locate the vehicle's oil pressure and/or coolant temperature sending units, and

verify the vehicle's sending unit port thread size is compatible with the thread
size on the gauge's sending unit and/or the supplied adapters. DO NOT DRILL
ANY HOLES IN DASH BEFORE ENSURING COMPATIBILITY. See the follow­ing notes.

NOTES:

■ If the vehicle's original temperature sending unit is used by the vehicle’s

computer for engine control functions, DO NOT REPLACE. Consult the deal­er (or a professional) to determine if the new sending unit can be installed in
an alternate location on the engine. If no suitable location is found, this
gauge is not suitable for your application.(See below for oil pressure gauge.)

■ For oil pressure gauges, a T-fitting (sold separately) may be used to accom-

modate the new gauge sending unit, and to keep the vehicle's original
sender operational.

7. Determine a mounting location for the gauge. Choose a location that does not

impair visibility or interfere with driving. Check behind the mounting location for
any wiring or components before drilling. Also take into consideration the routing
and length of the lead wires from gauge to engine sender port.

WARNING: Follow vehicle manufacturer’s service recommendations. Check
and maintain the vehicle’s engine regularly (cooling system level and condi­tion, oil system level and condition, charging system condition, etc.). Never
rely on the gauges as the ONLY means of protection.

NOTE: For information on optional mounting configurations and mounting hardware,
visit us on the web at www.iequus.com

A. PANEL INSTALLATION

For On-Dash or Under-Dash mounting (panels are
optional with some gauge models and must be pur­chased separately).

1. Determine mounting location (see section 1, step 7).

2. Using gauge panel as a template, mark locations

for screws.

3. Drill small holes for the screws.

4. Mount panel in place and secure with screws and

flat washers provided.

MOUNTING AND INSTALLATION

2

B. IN-DASH MOUNTING

1. Using a hole template, cut out a 1-1/2", 2" or 2-5/8" (3,81 cm, 5,08 cm, or 6,67

cm) hole, as necessary, through the dashboard.

2. Using a round file, smooth out the rough edges around the drilled hole.

C. INSTALLING GAUGE INTO GAUGE

PANEL OR IN-DASH

1. Insert gauge through front of panel or hole in

dashboard, as applicable.

2. Hold gauge case and rotate gauge, as needed,

until gauge dial face is properly positioned in
front of dashboard/panel. Secure gauge in place.

3. Tighten locking ring on gauge in clockwise direc-

tion until gauge is tight against dashboard/panel.
Tighten locking ring HAND TIGHT ONLY.

Figure 1. Gauge Panel

Figure 2. Gauge Equipped

with Locking Ring

NOTE: Depending on the model of gauge, backlighting color may be changed to

either red, green or blue by installing the optional color filter over the bulb (not avail­able for all gauge kits).

1. Insert the light bulb and socket assemblies into the light receptacles on the back
of the gauge and press firmly to snap/lock into place.

NOTE: Wire for gauge lights must be purchased separately. Use size 18-20
AWG stranded copper wire.

2. Splice the RED or WHITE wire from the gauge light(s) into the vehicle's lighting
circuit, between the dimmer control switch and the dash lights (consult the vehi­cle's service manual for proper wire).

GAUGE LIGHT INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION

3

3. Connect light socket BLACK wire to a good

chassis ground.

4. Insulate all connections with shrink tubing to

prevent shorting.

WARNING: For bulb replacement use only
part # 161 Instrument/Indicator wedge type
bulbs available at most auto parts stores.
DO NOT USE ANY OTHER PART NUMBER
SINCE THE HEAT PRODUCED BY A HIGHER
WATTAGE BULB WILL MELT THE GAUGE
CASE AND CREATE A FIRE HAZARD.

Figure 3. Light Bulb

Installation

A. ELECTRICAL OIL PRESSURE

1. Determine routing for gauge lead wires. Use an existing firewall grommet, or drill

a 3/8" (9,53 mm) hole through firewall to accommodate lead wires. Install a rub­ber grommet (purchased separately) in hole, and use shrink tubing to protect
lead wires from chaffing or other damage.

2. Remove existing oil pressure sender. Install oil pressure sender provided with
gauge and tighten securely using proper wrench.

NOTE: Two types of oil pressure senders are used on oil pressure gauge kits.
Both senders work basically the same but the letter markings to identify the
"Sender" terminal and the "Warning Light" terminal on the senders are different.
Make connections as applicable.

NOTE: Oil pressure sender must ground to vehicle chassis. Do not use sealing
compound or Teflon tape on sender threads.

3. Crimp or solder ¼" (6,35 mm) female spade connectors (included) on gauge
positive (+), negative (-), and sender (S) wires.

NOTE: Wire must be purchased separately.Use 18-20 AWG stranded copper wire.

4. Crimp or solder bullet/spade connector (provided) on remaining end of sender wire.

5. Connect lead wires to gauge positive (+), negative (-), and sender (S) spade

posts. Route sender wire through grommet in firewall.

6. Connect negative (-) lead wire to a good bare metal electrical chassis ground.

7. Connect positive (+) lead wire into an existing switched (hot only when the igni-

tion switch is in the “ON” position) positive (+) accessory line in vehicle fuse
block. Insulate splices with electrical tape to prevent shorting.

8. Connect sender (S) lead wire to sender “S” or “G” terminal (as applicable) on oil

pressure sender.

9. If desired (or mandatory), existing oil pressure warning light can be used in con­junction with the Electrical Oil Pressure Gauge. (Only compatible with some
original equipment sending units that have only one lead wire. See note follow­ing for details.)

■ Disconnect warning light lead wire from vehicle’s existing oil pressure send-

ing unit, and crimp or solder bullet/spade connector on warning light lead
wire. Connect the warning light lead wire to warning light “W.L./G.” or “WK”
terminal (as applicable) on the oil pressure sender.

GAUGE CONNECTION

4

Figure 4. Electrical Oil Pressure Gauge Connections

3.0

3.0

OIL PRESSURE
GAUGE

CHASSIS
GROUND

s

BLACK

RED

SENDER
WIRE

SWITCHED +12V
(FUSE BOX)

OIL
PRESSURE
SENDER

S or G

W.L./G.
or WK

OPTIONAL
ADAPTER

OPTIONAL
GROMMET

TO WARNING LIGHT

LOCKING RING

OPTIONAL COLOR

BULB AND

SOCKET ASSEMBLY

ENGINE
BLOCK

FILTER

Copyright © 2012 IEC. All Rights Reserved.

A. ELECTRICAL OIL PRESSURE (Cont)

NOTE: If the oil pressure warning light stays on when the engine is start­ed (step 11), or if your vehicle’s original oil pressure sending unit has two
or more lead wires, this method will not work, and a T-fitting adapter (pur­chased separately) MUST be used to keep your existing oil pressure
sender and warning light operational.

10. Secure lead wires along their route to prevent damage from sharp edges, mov-

ing parts or hot engine components.

11. Reconnect negative (-) battery cable. Start and run engine for approximately 30

seconds.Turn off engine and check gauge installation for leaks.Tighten joints as
needed and retest.

B. ELECTRICAL WATER TEMPERATURE

1. Determine routing for gauge lead wires. Use an existing firewall grommet, or drill

a 3/8" (9.53 mm) hole through firewall to accommodate lead wires. Install a rub­ber grommet (purchased separately) in hole, and use shrink tubing to protect
lead wires from chaffing or other damage.

2. With engine cold, drain coolant below the level of existing temperature sender (dis-

pose of coolant properly). Remove existing water temperature sender.Install water
temperature sender provided with gauge and tighten securely.

NOTE: Temperature sender must ground to vehicle chassis. Do not use sealing
compound or Teflon tape on sender threads.

3. Crimp or solder ¼" (6.35 mm) female spade connectors (included) on one end

of gauge positive (+), negative (-), and sender (S) wires.
NOTE: Wire must be purchased separately. Use 18-20 AWG stranded copper

wire.

4. Crimp or solder bullet connector (provided) on remaining end of sender wire.

5. Connect lead wires to gauge positive (+), negative (-), and sender (S) spade

posts. Route sender wire through grommet in firewall.

6. Connect negative (-) lead wire to a good electrical chassis ground.

7. Splice positive (+) lead wire into an existing switched (hot only when the ignition

switch is in the “ON” position) positive (+) accessory line in vehicle's fuse panel.
Insulate the splices with electrical tape to prevent shorting.

8. Connect sender lead wire terminal lug to water temperature sender using two
nuts and one washer provided.

9. Secure lead wires along their route to prevent damage from sharp edges, mov-

ing parts or hot engine components.

10. Refill radiator. Reconnect negative (-) battery cable. Start and run engine and

check gauge installation for leaks.Tighten joints as needed and retest.

Figure 5. Electric Water Temperature Gauge Connections

C. FUEL LEVEL GAUGE

Fuel Level Gauges do not include a fuel level sending unit.These gauges are
made to be used in combination with the vehicles existing fuel level sending
unit (not applicable for all vehicle models). Ensure that the gauge matches
vehicle’s fuel level sending unit specifications as described in the “Fuel Gauge
Application Table” below before installation.

■ Fuel Level Gauges utilize a variable resistance sending unit located inside the

fuel tank for operation. The variable resistor in the fuel level sending unit is
designed to change it’s resistance value (higher or lower) whenever the fuel level
in the fuel tank changes. The range and value of the variable resistors that are
used on sending units vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer, vehicle
model and/or year.

■ Three types of fuel level gauges are available, and each gauge is calibrated to

be compatible

only

with the manufacturer’s sending units that have the spec-

ifications shown in the “Fuel Gauge Application Table” below.

FUEL GAUGE APPLICATION TABLE

*An optional sending unit that matches the General Motors fuel level gauge is avail­able through your local distributor (NOT available for Ford, Chrysler or AMC
gauges).

1. Determine routing for gauge lead wires. Use an existing firewall grommet, or drill

a 3/8” (9.53 mm) hole through firewall to accommodate lead wires. Install a rub-

ber grommet (purchased separately) in hole, and use shrink tubing to protect
lead wires from chaffing or other damage.

NOTE: Fuel level gauge lead wires must be purchased separately. Use size 18­20 AWG stranded copper wire.

2. Crimp or solder ¼" (6.35 mm) female spade connectors (included) on one end
of gauge positive (+), negative (-), and sender (S) wires.

3. Connect lead wires to gauge positive (+), negative (-), and sender (S) spade
posts.

4. Connect negative (-) lead wire to a good bare metal electrical chassis ground.

5. Splice positive lead wire into an existing switched (hot only when the ignition

switch is turned to the “ON” position) positive (+) accessory line in the vehicle’s
fuse panel. Insulate the splices with electrical tape or shrink tubing to prevent
shorting.

6. Route sender wire through grommet in firewall.

7. Connect sender(s) lead wire to output or ‘S’ post on vehicle’s existing fuel level

sender.

8. Secure lead wires along their route to prevent damage from sharp edges, moving
parts or hot engine components. Reconnect negative (-) battery cable.Turn ignition
on and verify that fuel level gauge indicates proper fuel level.

■ To determine a vehicle’s fuel level sending unit specifications, discon-

nect the vehicle’s sending unit wire from the vehicle’s Fuel Gauge.
Measure the resistance between the sending unit and chassis ground
when the fuel tank is empty, and again when the fuel tank is full. Match
the results obtained to the specifications listed below

Sender Range Specifications (±10 Ohms)

Gauge Type When empty, must read When full, must read

General Motors* 0 Ohms 90 Ohms
Ford and Chrysler 73 Ohms 10 Ohms
AMC and S/W 240 Ohms 33 Ohms

Figure 6. Fuel Level Gauge Connections

The Manufacturer warrants to the original purchaser that this unit is free of defects in materials and work­manship under normal use and maintenance for a period of one (1) year from the date of original pur­chase. If the unit fails within the one (1) year period, it will be repaired or replaced, at the Manufacturer’s
option, at no charge, when returned prepaid to the Service Center with Proof of Purchase. The sales
receipt may be used for this purpose. Installation labor is not covered under this warranty. All replacement
parts, whether new or remanufactured, assume as their warranty period only the remaining time of this
warranty. This warranty does not apply to damage caused by improper use, accident, abuse, improper
voltage, service, fire, flood, lightning, or other acts of God, or if the product was altered or repaired by any­one other than the Manufacturer’s Service Center. The Manufacturer, under no circumstances shall be
liable for any consequential damages for breach of any written warranty of this unit. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights, and you may also have rights, which vary from state to state. This manual is copy­righted with all rights reserved. No portion of this document may be copied or reproduced by any means
without the express written permission of the Manufacturer.THIS WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
For service, send via U.P.S. (if possible) prepaid to Manufacturer. Allow 3-4 weeks for service/repair.

If you have any questions, require technical support or information on UPDATES and OPTIONAL ACCES­SORIES, please contact your local store, distributor or the Service Center.

USA & Canada:

[phone] (6:00 AM-6:00 PM, Monday-Saturday PST)

All others: [phone] (6:00 AM-6:00 PM, Monday-Saturday PST)
FAX: [phone] (24 hr.)
Web: www

.equus.com

Technical Service Center
17352 Von Karman Ave.
Irvine, CA 92614

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY AND SERVICE PROCEDURES

TEMPERATURE
GAUGE

CHASSIS
GROUND

s

BLACK

SENDER
WIRE

RED

SWITCHED +12V
(FUSE BOX)

OPTIONAL
GROMMET

OPTIONAL
ADAPTER

TERMINAL

WASHER

NUT

LUG

NUT

ELECTRICAL
TEMPERATURE
SENDER

ENGINE
BLOCK

FUEL LEVEL
GAUGE

CHASSIS
GROUND

s

BLACK

RED

SENDER
WIRE

SWITCHED +12V
(FUSE BOX)

OPTIONAL
GROMMET

FUEL LEVEL
SENDER