ANOTHER New Problem... Oil Pres Gauge

[Rba007]

Today while checking on my alternator after talking to a representative of its manufacturers, I think i fried my oil pressure gauge (electrical gauge, phantom). After disconnecting the battery, I began to take the power wire off the alternator. My wrench made contact with a bolt on the alternator, and a spark flew. Made a cool scorch mark on the wrench too! I get in the car after workign on the alternator, and everything works fine (including my other guages) except for my oil pres gauge. It goes past 100 upon startup, and drops back to the off position when power cuts. Any suggestions?

[Jeremy]

something's shorted on the gauge wiring. remember, the sender transfers pressure into voltage and if you get a short somewhere it's sending lots of juice to the gauge. Could be a bad sender too.

[Rba007]

Thanks for the reply Jeremy. What would you suggest I check to fix the problem? Its wierd how it only messed up the oil gauge.

[Rba007]

Heres a new twist:
The gauge works fine with my lights off. But with my headlights on, it doesnt light, and it doesnt work.