92 Explorer engine temp/temp gauge

[bd97pu]

The temperature gauge on my 92 Explorer doesn't seem to move much at all. I was told that the gauge/sending unit is not a potentiaometer, but merely a 3 position switch, thus the gauge will only read cold, in the middle, or hot. Is this true? It sounds feasible because the engine oil temp and battery voltage appear to be in the same spot on each of their respective gauges. I'm concerned because I'd hate to overheat my engine and a new sending unit for the gauge would be much cheaper than a new engine. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Stephen]

I've never heard that said about the temp gauge, but Ford oil pressure gauges are simply on off switches.

 

[bd97pu]

I heard it was only a 3 position switch from a friend who has an Explorer and is good friends with a mechanic at the Ford dealer? Thanks for the reply.

 

[RobbieJ]

thats funny because mine reads all the way around the half circle. I also had lots of problems with heating and cooling when I moved the factory temp sending unit. and relpaced it with an autometer for an autometer guage. Is anyone using an auto meter temp guage and how did you get it to work. I can't get mine to work right and still use the factory guage too. I know that there is only one hole in the entire 4.0 block to install a temp sending unit. Robbie