Temp Gauge Test

[kdml]

I am doing some work to the dash of my '83 and have access to the factory temp gauge to remove. The gauge has never worked (I have replaced sending unit and checked fuses and wiring, with no luck). Since I can easily pull the gauge is there a way to test it outside of the truck to see if it is the issue, before I order a new one? It is the only gauge that does not work, so I would love to fix it

Thanks
Doug

[wraprail]

B+ to the B+
earth ground- to the neg.

same earth ground to the sender pole
if the needle moves the gauge is good. maybe?

[Prong]

You can remove the lead at the sender and ground it to the block or another ground source and then turn the key to ignition on. If the gauge pegs past the H mark, the gauge is functioning. If not, then check continuity in the wire itself.

[kdml]

Thanks Prong, I already tested by grounding the lead and the gauge did not move. Since I was in the dash anyway I figured I would pull the gauge to test.

Wraprail, not sure I follow your instructions. Pictures of the back of the gauge are attached. This is how I tested.

- I attached a jumper from the left and top posts on the gauge and grounded the other end
- I attached another jumper from the right post to the positive side of the battery

The result was the gauge needle moved below C on the gauge

I then switched the jumper from the battery to the right post and joined the top and left posts to ground. The result was the needle jumped over to the H.

I did nothing with the bottom post, as it isn't used, based on how it plugs into the dash (see other picture)

Was this correct? Does this prove the gauge is working?

[wraprail]

I think you are correct. You can trace the gauge circut on the back of the cluster to make sure which is ground, positive and sensor. If you ground the sensor wire on the engine and the gauge did nothing then you ground the same location on the gauge with a jumper and the needle moves I would assume the trouble is in the wiring. Could be in the printed circut on the back of the cluster. Could be the actual wire going to the cluster. Could be the connectors that the gauge mounts to. Those are the first places I would check..