Temp Gauge Replacement
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 495
Likes: 0
From: PA
Temp Gauge Replacement
My center console temp gauge is not working. I checked for current, and I have just about 12 volts feeding to it.
I'm assuming then that I can just order a new gauge and that should be it, right? Or could the sender be bad, but still send 12 volts?
If I buy a gauge, should I get an OEM unit, which does not have numbers on it, or should I order a VDO unit, which does have numbers on it? I would prefer the latter, but does that VDO unit require a different sending unit? If so, how difficult is that to replace?
Thanks.
Jim
I'm assuming then that I can just order a new gauge and that should be it, right? Or could the sender be bad, but still send 12 volts?
If I buy a gauge, should I get an OEM unit, which does not have numbers on it, or should I order a VDO unit, which does have numbers on it? I would prefer the latter, but does that VDO unit require a different sending unit? If so, how difficult is that to replace?
Thanks.
Jim
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Hi.
Don't replace the gauge yet. First, check to make sure the wire has not fallen off the sensor. This is located in a small indent in the round plate fitted in the middle of the crankcase on the bottom. If it has not fallen off, it could still be the sensor. Get under the car, ground the sensor wire, turn to ignition switch on and check to see if the gauge moves. If it does, sender fault, if not check the earth on the gauge, if not, you may have a bad connection in the wire leading to the sensor. Please check these first, before you replace the gauge.
Saint
Don't replace the gauge yet. First, check to make sure the wire has not fallen off the sensor. This is located in a small indent in the round plate fitted in the middle of the crankcase on the bottom. If it has not fallen off, it could still be the sensor. Get under the car, ground the sensor wire, turn to ignition switch on and check to see if the gauge moves. If it does, sender fault, if not check the earth on the gauge, if not, you may have a bad connection in the wire leading to the sensor. Please check these first, before you replace the gauge.
Saint
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: Agoura, CA
IMHO the stock center console gauge is next to worthless: for one, it is not numbered. It barely moves at all and really just tells you the engine is "cold, not cold, or a little warmer". Second, it is 30 years old, give or take.
The VDO gauge with matching sender is the way to go, at least if your stock gauge craps out.
The VDO gauge with matching sender is the way to go, at least if your stock gauge craps out.
