1997 Exlplorer xl v6 temperature gauge not working at all

[Hamster65]

I posted this last week but for some reason, it's not showing up so here goes again.

The gauge isn't working at all. I found a test procedure on this forum to test the gauge itself and subsequently, the wiring........both seem to be fine. I don't think it'd be the thermostat because even a faulty one would give some sort of reading on the gauge if everything else is working properly. My next idea was that it might be the sensor and at the time, I didn't realize there were 2 of them. I found and replaced the one on the passenger side. Hard as hell to get to due to the metal coolant pipes on either side of it but, I managed it with a crows foot and an extension.
The old one looked to be in really bad shape so, I figured a new one couldn't hurt. Typical parts store BS, showed 2 different sensors for this vehicle (one was for a much smaller hole) so, I took my old one in and matched it up. Installed the new one, plugged it in and test drove the vehicle..............still nothing. After doing a bit more research, discovered the 2nd one on the left side. Removed it and it appears to be identical to the one I just replaced but, had a different part number. Got it, installed it and test drove the vehicle...........still nothing. No movement from the gauge at all.
Any ideas?

 

[Turdle]

You might try this, just because it only cost a little time. Look closely at the pins in both connectors.

2nd gen issues? Try this first!

 

[Explorer2.0]

You might try this, just because it only cost a little time. Look closely at the pins in both connectors.

2nd gen issues? Try this first!

It worked for us!

 

[Hamster65]

Yeah, tried that. I did find corrosion on 3 pins in the small square one..........cleaned it, applied dielectric grease, reassembled it and..................still nothing.

 

[96eb96]

Ok, the gauge sensor has ONE wire. It is easy to break the connector too, you can get a new pigtail or I believe it is a nut you can buy in the hardware store and fasten the wire (I think it is the thread of electrical screws). Take the one wire, and short it to the block. I believe temp should rise to max. That will eliminate wiring.

 

[koda2000]

Depending on which engine your talking about, sender (not sensor) for the TEMP gauge may have 1 wire or 2.

OHV V6 IDK (maybe 1)
OHV V8 1 wire
SHOC V6 2 wires (because the t-stat housing is plastic)