1986 Dodge Van gas gauge and temp gauge not working.

1986 DODGE VAN
60,000 MILES • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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EXERTUS
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I was taking a 1986 Dodge 3500 van on a test drive and turned the AC up to test it. After just a couple of minutes, there was a poof of smoke through the vents and a odd smell. It seemed to keep running, but I shut the AC off.

A minute later, I noticed the gas guage and the temp gauge were down and not working. Surely, this is some how related.

Is this an easy fix? Thanks in advance for your help.
Feb 21, 2009 at 8:29 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the van had set for some time, and the heater core has a slight leak, you could get steam through the vents. Did it smell like coolant? Also, as far as the gauges, have you checked for bad grounds? There could be a loose ground strap under the dash. If not, I would have the body control module tested.
Mar 14, 2009 at 2:14 PM