What is the Instrument Voltage Regulator all about?

It’s important for drivers to have access to a wide range of information while behind the wheel. This includes vehicle speed, RPM, fuel level, coolant temperature and much more. The information needed is displayed for the driver on gauges – the fuel gauge, the speedometer, the tachometer, etc. This is the instrument cluster. Like many other elements of your vehicle, the modern instrument cluster is electronic, and requires voltage in order to operate. The instrument cluster consumes less power than batteries do (Batteries use around six volts).

The instrument cluster voltage regulator ensures that the right amount of voltage is supplied. Voltage regulator failure is relatively rare, but not unheard of.

Keep in mind:

• Instrument cluster voltage regulator failure means that your gauges will not work.
• The voltage regulator is made as part of the entire instrument cluster, meaning that the whole component must be replaced.

How it's done:

• The battery is disconnected and instrument cluster removed
• The defective instrument cluster voltage regulator is removed
• The new instrument cluster voltage regulator is installed
• The instrument cluster is reinstalled and the battery reconnected
• The engine is started and the gauges are checked for proper operation

Our recommendation:

Given the fact that you must have access to the information provided by your instrument cluster, failure of the voltage regulator is undesirable. Without an operational instrument cluster, you will not know the fuel level, vehicle speed, or the temperature of your engine coolant. We recommend having the problem diagnosed by our expert mechanics immediately.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Instrument Voltage Regulator?

• Gauges are totally inoperable
• Gauges operate intermittently

How important is this service?

Replacing your failed instrument cluster voltage regulator is very important. Have your vehicle diagnosed expediently as other problems can cause the same symptoms as instrument cluster voltage regulator failure.