Low Temperature Gauge

[SHO4CY]

Ok guys, I replaced the thermostat already, but to no avail. The car doesn't really run any warmer and the gauge rarely even gets to the L much less past it. Is my next move to replace the temperature sending unit? If so how much does this cost and how do you install it? Thanks
thumb

 

[Mr Anonymous]

A gauge sender switch is under $10 at most auto parts stores, and installs just forward of the t-stat.

 

[SHO4CY]

Is there directions somewhere about the install for the temperature sending unit? Thanks thumb

 

[PROPHET]

Part number TU25 at AUTOZONE $5.99.

Real easy fix,its left of the Thermastat housing,unplug the one wire connected to it,remove the switch with socket wrench,replace with new switch don't forget to wrap the threads plug single wire back.

May be easier for you if you remove MAF housing and airbox lid.

 

[advocate]

try driving with the eatc turned off. on auto my car always is below the "L" . with it off or set to floor or panel it will warm up higher.

Try this first. it may just be that the eatc is using your a/c compressor and running the fans all the time for it...

worth a try.

 

[SHOguy 92]

Hey, my car does this samething. But mine is at all times running the fans in the engine bay, or so I believe but I really don't mind I don't think its really harming much seeing as the T-stat is fine I really ain't worried keeps it nice and cool for agressive driving.

 

[SHOZ123]

SHO4CY:
Is there directions somewhere about the install for the temperature sending unit? Thanks thumb

Drain coolant, unplug wire, remove sendor, apply thread sealant to new sender, install new sender, plug in wire, refill coolant.

 

[yamahaSHO]

I would change out the ECT before the temp sender for the gauge. Remeber, these gauges are not accurate, that is why I just bought some aftermarket gauges.

The ECT is just aft of the t-stat... I can be a biotch to get to though. The sender for that at AZ is, if I remember correctly, about $15.

 

[SHO4CY]

Ok, my 89 just has the manual gauges, no eatc here. Ok, what should I replace then, the sender unit or the ECT? What does each do exactly? I'm not having any problem with the heat coming out, it's just the gauge that is reading low. Thanks again guys thumb

 

[AutoSHO]

yamahaSHO:
I would change out the ECT before the temp sender for the gauge. Remeber, these gauges are not accurate, that is why I just bought some aftermarket gauges.

The ECT is just aft of the t-stat... I can be a biotch to get to though. The sender for that at AZ is, if I remember correctly, about $15.

For an improper reading on the dash, I would replace the gauge sender (forward of the thermostat) befoer I would replace the ECT. The ECT doesnt control how warm the car gets until the thermostat opens. Since the car is certainly building enough heat to open the thermostat, the stock idiot gauge should be around the L in "normal" when it opens.

Replace the Gauge sender first. Now, if your fan is funning all the time (A/C off) or the car gets hot and the fans never turn on, then I would worry about the ECT.

 

[BenBrausen]

My temp guage is weird. I always run around L or even lower. Even in the middle of the summer. When I'm in stop and go traffic, it'll be up around M or R but when I'm movin' it's always around L, sometimes A. Does my engine just run really cool?

 

[AutoSHO]

BenBrausen:
My temp guage is weird. I always run around L or even lower. Even in the middle of the summer. When I'm in stop and go traffic, it'll be up around M or R but when I'm movin' it's always around L, sometimes A. Does my engine just run really cool?

That sounds more like a thermostat thats not quite closing all the way.