E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Electrical & Audio => Topic started by: fireguyfire on June 10, 2019, 10:36:43 AM

Title: Engine temp gauge
Post by: fireguyfire on June 10, 2019, 10:36:43 AM
Did the first shakedown of my 73 challenger today after doing a ton of work on it; things are working great with 1 exception; my engine temp gauge is not working.
I did pull out and refresh the gauge cluster and the connection on the rear of the temp gauge is good.
Can anyone help me out with troubleshooting the engine temp gauge system?


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Title: Re: Engine temp gauge
Post by: Cuda Cody on June 10, 2019, 11:02:32 AM
If you are sure the gauge is good, you might check to see what temp sender you are using.  I've seen used different temp senders and I notice not all of them work the same with the stock set up.  Some use different amps and will not function right.
Title: Re: Engine temp gauge
Post by: JS29 on June 10, 2019, 11:03:43 AM
@fireguyfire (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/fireguyfire_2964)  disconnect the wire at the sending unit, ground the wire and turn the key to the on position. if the needle pegs out, it is your sending unit.   :alan2cents: 
Title: Re: Engine temp gauge
Post by: 73_Cuda_4_Me on June 10, 2019, 11:03:56 AM
Do you have a volt-ohm meter?

If you only have a test light, unplug the temperature wire going to the sensor on the intake manifold, and test the wire with test light to see if you have voltage coming out to the sensor. If you do, then it might be bad sensor or the sealant used on the threads keeping the sensor from going to ground in the intake.

If you have ohm-meter, should be able to read like 2 to 10 ohms (I think??) from the post on sensor to engine ground, depending on temperature...
Title: Re: Engine temp gauge
Post by: anlauto on June 10, 2019, 11:32:52 AM
Yup...test the gauge first by grounding the wire...if it works, then it's a faulty sender :alan2cents:
Title: Re: Engine temp gauge
Post by: fireguyfire on June 10, 2019, 12:56:42 PM
So I disconnected the wire at the sending unit and with the key on I grounded the wire; no change on the gauge.
I then used a test light on the end of the wire with the key on, and I have no power according to the test bulb.
So I'm guessing this means my gauge is pooched; is there anything else it could be before I go about sourcing a new gauge?


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Title: Re: Engine temp gauge
Post by: fireguyfire on June 10, 2019, 02:54:21 PM
Checked the wiring harness where it was shielded, and it turns out the wire was broken!
A quick splice with some less brittle wire and the gauge is working perfectly.


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Title: Re: Engine temp gauge
Post by: Bullitt- on June 10, 2019, 03:00:36 PM
 :woohoo: Yay Team
Usually something simple  :bigthumb:
Title: Re: Engine temp gauge
Post by: 73_Cuda_4_Me on June 10, 2019, 04:06:59 PM
Glad to hear you got it!

:veryexcited: :veryexcited: :woohoo:
Title: Re: Engine temp gauge
Post by: Chryco Psycho on June 11, 2019, 03:12:55 AM
Cool that you traced out & found the break in the wire  :bigthumb: