temp. gauge not working - how to test? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69 air cab · 10-11-2004, 08:27 PM

Anyone know how to test my temp gauge on an 84 silverado?
I have a new switch in the engine, fuse is good, but the temp does not move.

Stingray42 · 10-11-2004, 08:47 PM

pull the guages apart and check with a voltmeter. not sure what readings should be, but they should change as it gets warmer. its it pegged? you may have a bad/no ground

arveetek · 10-13-2004, 12:58 PM

Disconnect the green wire going to the temperature sender on the side of the head. Ground that green wire to the engine block or negative post of the battery. With the key on, the temperature guage should read all the way to "Hot", and when you remove the green wire from the ground source, the guage should go back to "Cold."

If the guage moves with this test, then it's okay, and the problem is the temperature sender, probably the wrong one. There are two types: one for the guage style and one for the idiot light style. If you install an idiot light sensor in place of the guage style sensor, it won't work.

If the guage doesn't move with this test, then it's probably a bad guage, or a bad wire.

Casey

69 air cab · 10-13-2004, 07:47 PM

very good advice. I will try that. The wire was burnt in a place that I cut out and replaced but I do remember never being asked if it was gauge or light when I bought the new sensor.
Thanks again...........that's a big help.

10-11-2004, 08:27 PM	#1
69 air cab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 477	temp. gauge not working - how to test? Anyone know how to test my temp gauge on an 84 silverado? I have a new switch in the engine, fuse is good, but the temp does not move.

10-11-2004, 08:47 PM	#2
Stingray42 Woot. Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Stouffville, Ontario Posts: 2,291	pull the guages apart and check with a voltmeter. not sure what readings should be, but they should change as it gets warmer. its it pegged? you may have a bad/no ground __________________ Clarkson 96 Chevy RCLB 4.3 2WD

10-13-2004, 12:58 PM	#3
arveetek Ultimate Diesel Dude Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Southwest Missouri Posts: 328	Disconnect the green wire going to the temperature sender on the side of the head. Ground that green wire to the engine block or negative post of the battery. With the key on, the temperature guage should read all the way to "Hot", and when you remove the green wire from the ground source, the guage should go back to "Cold." If the guage moves with this test, then it's okay, and the problem is the temperature sender, probably the wrong one. There are two types: one for the guage style and one for the idiot light style. If you install an idiot light sensor in place of the guage style sensor, it won't work. If the guage doesn't move with this test, then it's probably a bad guage, or a bad wire. Casey __________________ Project truck: '81 C/20 converted to 6.2L TURBO DIESEL bored .040", gear drive, 6.5L injectors/pump, custom pistons, custom 4" exhaust, 700R4, 4.10's Daily Driver: '95 K1500 Tahoe, 6.5L TURBO DIESEL, NP241, 4L80E, 3.42's

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10-13-2004, 07:47 PM	#4
69 air cab Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryville, TN Posts: 477	very good advice. I will try that. The wire was burnt in a place that I cut out and replaced but I do remember never being asked if it was gauge or light when I bought the new sensor. Thanks again...........that's a big help.



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