Engine Temperature Gauge Not Working

[ortred]

The engine temperature dash gauge our recently purchased 1996 Explorer does not work. The prior owners said it has not been working for quite some time. They said in the heat of summer the needle will move off the “C” a tiny bit, but not much. Would this indicate a bad dash gauge or thermostat? If the problem is with the thermostat, how can I tell, is it something a novice could replace, where is it located? Is there any other component that’s connected between the gauge and the thermostat that could be causing the problem? Sorry about all the questions.

Thanks all,
Jason

 

[trixie]

Probably the temperature sender. It looks like a small spark plug. On your motor, I don't know exactly where it is though. I had the same problem. If you're scared of trying to do it yourself, it won't cost much to have someone replace it for you. It should be located on the intake someplace. Also-- If you ground the wire coming to the sender, it should make the gauge go up right away. Just touch the wire from the boot on top of the sender to the engine block, if it goes up, it's the sensing unit, if it stays the same, it's the gauge, or wiring to it.

 

[jgilbs]

does the A/C or heat work? if not, this would indicate a defective tstat. replacing one is pretty straightforward, just do a search for thermostat. it is possible that the stat is stuck in the open position. if this is the case, then this would make for terrible gas mileage, as well as no heat. the part is cheap enough (~$10) so replacing it should provide good insurance even if it is not yet defective.

 

[ortred]

Reply to "TRIXIE":
I am editing my prior reply. Per my Haynes manual there is two temp sending units, (one has the two wires and references "EEC-IV" "?"), at first I was following your instructions on the wrong sender. I finally found the one with one wire and a boot. It worked! When grounded, the needle shot up. So do I replace the sender? If so, do you have any tips for me? (Unfortunately I can't find instructions on replacing the sender in my Haynes manual.) Do I have to drain any coolant?

Thanks for all your help,
Jason

Reply to "JGILBS":
Yes the A/C works, and the heat as well, (however the heat does not get super hot like most other vehicles I’ve been in; does that mean anything to you?).

Thanks for your help,
Jason

 

[kloadman97]

been following this one since i was having the same problem....

Started out by having my friend ground the connection, and the gauge went all the way up to the top. We then replaced the sensor, however the gauge still doesn't appear to be moving much if at all. We looked through the Chilton but got no further and I was hoping someone here might be able to provide some further insight.

The heat seems to be doing its job and the a/c needs recharged, so we didn't think it to be a thermostat issue. In addition, the cooling fan is coming on so we know the engine is getting up to operating temp. We're stumped, and without the factory manual in my arsenal we don't know quite how to attack it next.

 

[ortred]

Just replaced the Temp Sending Unit

Did not work, gauge still only raising apprx. 1/8 off the “C”. After driving the vehicle for about half an hour I parked it, turned off the engine and watched the gauge. When the engine is not running the temp on the gauge increases to what looks normal operating range. Even after I started the SUV up again the temp on the gauge stayed in the normal range for about 3-5 minutes. After running for a while though, it goes back down just above the “C”. I talked to Ford about all of this, the guy there said to replace the thermostat. So I guess I will try that next.

If anyone has any other thoughts, I would sure appreciate it. I was really hoping I would not have to tackle a thermostat replacement, whenever I attempt to fix anything that flows liquid; it usually ends up leaking when I’m done.

Thanks all,
Jason

 

[Bexplorer94]

I have a 94 and mine did the same thing. I followed the wire from the thermostate to the firewall. there was a very tiny split in the boot that covers the wire. i cut the wire in half, put both ends in a but conector and put some sylicone in it and it works awesome! i dont know if thats the problem with yours but follow the wire as far as you can and look for tiny stress cracks or holes in the wire, that will cause it to read the outside air temp.

 

[ortred]

Fixed The Problem!!!

Well, my dad and I replaced the thermostat, that was the problem! We also flushed the coolant system while we were under the hood. Fired it up, took it around the block, and the needle came right up into the normal range; the heater pumps out more heat too!

Thanks again for all your help folks,
Jason