temp gauge not working!

[jd1828af]

my temp gauge goes up in between the first mark and the middle. i tried replacing the thermostat and that didnt work. where is the temp sensor? i am assuming it is the thing that plugs in by the thermostat. so could i swap the one out of my 93 talon dl into my 90 tsi awd?

 

[ArticNemesis]

So, it isn't working. Didn't you just say it rises in between the 1st and 2nd marks.? On my 97 GST, it rarely goes above the halfway point and is usually a little over halfway between the first 2 marks.

 

[jd1828af]

well i have heard that right in the middle is normal. after it gets to that point it wont move at all. i could beat on the car all day and the temp doesnt ever move so i am assuming it is broke.

 

[steve]

Unless you have a problem with your cooling system it shouldn't go past the middle. The fact that after it warms up it stays there is a sign that everything is working no matter how much to beat on it.

Steve

 

[laserblue]

I agree with Steve that your gauge/sensor is working. My needle rests just a scooch below the center mark. I'm thinking of a way to test it without overheating the engine. Hmmmmmm.... This might work, but you'll have to be careful!! -- First run the engine till you get up to your 'normal' temp. Shut off the car and pull the plug on the cooling fan motor. Then let the car idle for a while, keeping your eye on the temp gauge. See if the gauge shows that the car is getting too hot. PLEASE!!!- be careful that you don't overheat. I wouldn't want to be responsible for you blowing the engine!!!!!
*** Pulling that plug may cause the CEL to light. Ignore it for now. When you're done testing, disconnect the battery for a minute to reset the ECU [clear the CEL codes].***

If anyone out there thinks that this procedure is crap.... stop him now!!

...And please... no wise-cracks like - I should try it first! :laugh:

 

[jd1828af]

you try it first then let me know how it goes.

 

[teg21]

If you have a logger than log your coolant temps after a run. If they are high and your gauge is really low like the first mark then something is probably wrong. If your coolant temps don't move much on your logger and your needle doens't move much than it is probably working. If your car is not heating up that could be a problem. That little gauge is basically worthless, you need actual numbers.