Temp sensor test

[sweetpeet]

Does anyone know how to test a temp sensor and gauge? I was driving around the corner and my temp gauge didn't read anything. It was prob because it was so cold outside but I just want to cover my bases.

 

[JPNinPA]

Cold days it takes up to 3 miles for my temp gauge to show a reading. How far you drivingwith no reading?

 

[sweetpeet]

Idk how far I went that time couldn't have been 3 miles and it was prob around mid 50 degrees. I haven't driven it since because I took the seats out to do a bed liner they are going in this weekend. So I'll drive it this weekend a longer distance and see if it's doing the same thing.

 

[Jeeper Jay]

take out the sending unit (with engine cool) I took a small metal container and heated it up with a torch. use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temp. You must ground the sending unit and drop it in. When I did my test my water was at 185 degrees F and my gauge was pegged all the way to hot. I did replace the gauge, same problem. I'm guessing some kind of wiring issue. I installed an after market Auto Meter temp model 3655. all's good now. Good luck

 

[JPNinPA]

Well it will take a few miles but 50 deg is a heat wave. I'm talking 10-20 deg F as cold. I'm sure by now you drove a few more miles and have a better idea if it's heating.

 

[tjlboise]

Lol... yeah. 50* is time for taking the top off and wearing some shorts.

 

[sweetpeet]

Ok so I drove about 10 miles yesterday, the engine got really hot (like normal functioning hot) and still no reading. What gives? Some one said wiring but that means that I gotta replace the sensor too.

 

[Turbogus]

take out the sending unit (with engine cool) I took a small metal container and heated it up with a torch. use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temp. You must ground the sending unit and drop it in. When I did my test my water was at 185 degrees F and my gauge was pegged all the way to hot. I did replace the gauge, same problem. I'm guessing some kind of wiring issue. I installed an after market Auto Meter temp model 3655. all's good now. Good luck

I've gotten two senders from NAPA (likely Echlin) and, having a mechanical temp gauge with it's sender inserted into a water jacket in the intake manifold I noticed yesterday that 210* = fully pegged Speedometer cluster temp gauge.

HOW HOT IS TOO HOT?