I've noticed that on my '06 GT the battery gauge does not move, ever. After I start it up, the gauge slowly goes up to slightly above halfway, then stays there like it should. What my concern is, no matter what I turn on electrical-wise, the gauge does not budge. I've turned on the A/C, headlights, radio, hazard lights, etc, all while idling and the gauge does not move a bit, even though I can see the headlights going slightly dimmer. I know the Gt's have a big alternator, (140 amp?) but it seems like the gauge should move at least a little. I also drive a Crown Vic Police Interceptor that has a 200 amp alternator and when I turn stuff on, the gauge moves on it.

Is this normal, or am I just being paranoid? Anyone else notice this type of thing? All the other gauges move around normally, except oil press. (probably a good thing it doesn't move)

 

Since 99 (I think) ford has used dummy guages in the Mustang. Take a look at your oil pressure guage. If you rev it up, it should increase, but it doesn't. It just always stays in the middle. The temp guage is the same. It should come up, then drop when your fan cuts in, but it just sits in the middle.
The volts guage is the same idea.

 

It's a dummy gauge, they all are: oil, water, and volts

So far I've managed to **** off all 3 of them. I overheated twice (gauge pegged), disconnected my oil pressure sender (dropped to zero), and I killed my alternator/battery (volt reading went to zero).

 

So the gauges really don't have anything to do with what is really going on in the engine? That's rediculous! The temp. gauge does take time to get up to normal, and longer if it's a cold day, so I guess it at least has a little to do with what the engine temp is. What the hell is the point of having the gauges if they don't show you anything?? Thats the only reason I payed extra for the fancy dash anyway.

 

Most factory gauge kits in cars are glorified idiot lights now. If you want really sensitive, accurate gauges I think you have to go aftermarket.

 

This is the 3rd post of this type I've seen today.
The same question has popped into my head each time.

Does anyone make a functional gauge that fits in the dash pod?
I might be willing to spend some cash for that.

 

We have been discussing this a little on another post, see:
http://forums.bradbarnett.net/showthread.php?t=50397
It may be possible to hook up a different sender unit to the stock gauges for at least a little more accuracy. Not sure about the computer though, it might not like different sender units and may throw out a DTC or turn an idiot light on.