How can you test your temp gauge? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

92470 · 06-30-2007, 08:23 PM

The stock temp guage in my 71' isn't working. I put in a new sending unit about 6 months ago and it seemed to work, but now nothing. Do any of you know how to "bench test" the gauge, or the sending unit? Is there anyway I can test the wire to make sure it's getting feed all the way through it? I'm up for anything, I just don't want to go dumping parts into it where I don't have to and would just like to know if there are any procedures for isolating the problem.

I have an extra stock temp gauge also that I can use if the one in my dash is bad. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

PanelDeland · 06-30-2007, 08:34 PM

On the wire you can check using an ohmmeter(multi-meter)Set it to ohms and put one lead against each end of the wire.But before doing that I would take the connector to the dash loose and make sure the contacts are clean.It doesn't take much to cause a no contact situation between the plug and connector.I'm not sure about checking the guage.Did you use teflon tape on the threads of the new unit when you installed it?If so the tefloon may be preventing the sending unit from grounding well.
Just a couple 8deas to help you get started.Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in and give you a better idea of how to troubleshoot it.

project1971 · 06-30-2007, 10:25 PM

After checking all your connections, turn you key on and touch the wire going to the sending unit to ground and have someone watch the guage unit and it should move from cold to hot if connections and guage is good.

06-30-2007, 08:23 PM	#1
92470 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Maple Grove, MN Posts: 149	How can you test your temp gauge? The stock temp guage in my 71' isn't working. I put in a new sending unit about 6 months ago and it seemed to work, but now nothing. Do any of you know how to "bench test" the gauge, or the sending unit? Is there anyway I can test the wire to make sure it's getting feed all the way through it? I'm up for anything, I just don't want to go dumping parts into it where I don't have to and would just like to know if there are any procedures for isolating the problem. I have an extra stock temp gauge also that I can use if the one in my dash is bad. Any help is appreciated. Thanks

06-30-2007, 08:34 PM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: How can you test your temp gauge? On the wire you can check using an ohmmeter(multi-meter)Set it to ohms and put one lead against each end of the wire.But before doing that I would take the connector to the dash loose and make sure the contacts are clean.It doesn't take much to cause a no contact situation between the plug and connector.I'm not sure about checking the guage.Did you use teflon tape on the threads of the new unit when you installed it?If so the tefloon may be preventing the sending unit from grounding well. Just a couple 8deas to help you get started.Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in and give you a better idea of how to troubleshoot it. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

06-30-2007, 10:25 PM	#3
project1971 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 605	Re: How can you test your temp gauge? After checking all your connections, turn you key on and touch the wire going to the sending unit to ground and have someone watch the guage unit and it should move from cold to hot if connections and guage is good. __________________ 2008 Ford FX2 Screw 1971 C10 project in shop now! 2004 Pontiac Grandam (wifes) 2000 Cavalier z24 (gas saver)



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