Frequently Asked Questions
Series 5000 Panel Gauge Heater
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Panel Gauge Heater?
A. The Panel Gauge Heater applies 12 VDC (negative ground) to heater tapes which
heat the pressure tubes going to the various types of gauges on your truck. A red
indicating light will illuminate when the Panel Gauge Heater is on. The unit will turn
on when the cold sensor senses an ambient temperature between 28 and 32 degrees
fahrenheit and turn off when the temperature is above 32 degrees fahrenheit.
Q. Is it possible that the Panel Gauge Heater may be on when the red indicating light is
not illuminated?
A. Yes, it is possible if the bulb is faulty. Replace the bulb with an 1889 bulb.
Q. What are the differences between the old style Panel Gauge Heater and the new
updated Panel Gauge Heater?
A. 1. Smaller dimensions - 1.62" W x 3.31" H
2. Reuseable circuit breaker that will break if there is an over-current condition.
3. Upgraded bimetallic sensor
4. Flashing L.E.D. fault indicator
Q. At what temperature does the Panel Gauge Heater activate?
A. When the cold sensor senses an ambient temperature between 28 and 32 degrees
fahrenheit.
Q. How many heater tapes can the Panel Gauge Heater handle?
A. No more than 12 per unit and 6 per output.
Q. My heater tape is no longer sticking to the pressure tube.
A. The heater tape has a durabel adhesive backing. Simply apply a few strips of Mylar
(or PVC) type electrical tape or cable ties in several spots to secure the heater tape.
Q. How can I test the heater tape to ensure proper operation?
A. Check for cuts in the heater tape. Then apply 12 VDC across any one of the
connectors and ground on the other. After a minute or so, the warmth can be felt
with your hand. BE CAREFUL, the tapes will get hot.
Q. The L.E.D. indicating light is flashing. Why?
A. The circuit breaker has sensed an over-current condition. Before resetting the circuit
breaker, check all heater tapes for cuts or shorts.
Q. How do I reset the circuit breaker?
A. After checking the heater tapes, remove the Panel Gauge Heater from the panel by
taking out the four (4) outside Phillips head screws and lifting out both the bezel and
the Panel Gauge Heater. Reset the circuit breaker in the back of the Panel Gauge
Heater by pressing in the tab. This will turn off the flashing L.E.D. and turn on the
large "Heaters On" indicator light.
Q. The truck panel is cut out for an old style Panel Gauge Heater. I received the new
upgraded style and it is too small for the hole. How can I remedy this situation?
A. Simply call our customer service representatives, toll free at 1-800-843-6465 and
request a retrofit Panel Gauge Heater bezel. The larger design of the retrofit bezel
will cover any existing holes on the truck panel.
Q. How can I test my Panel Gauge Heater while it is still installed on the truck?
A. Ensure that the truck's power is off. Then unplug the two (2) orange wires going to
the heater tapes. Turn on the truck power and spray a discharge of CO2 to the cold
sensor. NOTE: An ice cube will not trigger the sensor. The red indicating light
shoud come on. Using a Multimeter, check the voltage across the two (2) pins on
one of the connectors. It should read approximately 12 VDC. Reconnect the
connector and check the voltage across the connector at the last heater tape in the
line. It shoud read at least 11 VDC. If any of these readings are incorrect, contact
MC Products at 1-800-843-6465 for further instruction.
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