jlfenner

Here's the issue. Immediately after start up, temp gauge shoots to halfway and doesn't move. Doesn't appear to be a common issue since I can't seem to find any info on it. Anyway, the question I have is should I be looking into replacing the water temperature sender gauge or the water temp detect switch? Not too sure which one and the service manual isn't very specific on which one does what. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks

brianh699

Disconnect the sensor and ground it's wire, if the gauge deflects to full heat the gauge is working

ddv1126

In having a similar problem. So your talking about disconnecting the coolant temp sensor and grounding the wires that go to it?

brianh699

Yes you can also do it on the back of the gauge

ojm3

File and clean all connections. If that doesn't work by a new temperature sending unit

ddv1126

I did the test and the guage went straight up, I'll buy a temp sender since its like 8 bucks. My problem is that on the highway it shoots straight to hot but as soon as I exit and pull over it goes back down. I don't think the engine could cool down that quickly. Also I shot it with a temp guage and it was at 190. If I chose an aftermarket guage would I inset that into the spot where the original sender is. Will there be a fitting available that is the same size?

ojm3

got my temperature sending unit from autozone and it dropped right in. Your experiencing the typical temp overshoot. Stock thermostat is one ninety i got one that's 160 or 180 can't remember lol.but i like mine to run cooler. I can sit at idle with the air conditioner on covered in mud and she barely gets halfway hot

ddv1126

What brand? It came with everything?

ojm3

It screws into the top of the water jacket outlet. There are two units with wires connected at the top of thejacket. One is black plastic the other is brass. Replace the brass.

ojm3

The unit comes by itself just back the old one out, put the new one in and reconnect the plug

ddv1126

Ok got one and put it in. I noticed the old one had Teflon, I heard that was a no no. The new one was slightly longer. When I tried to tighten it it would keep turning. It got snug but didn't come to a stop. Didn't want to strip the hole or mess the o ring up on the sensor, I drove around for a bit and didn't see any coolant leaking out. Temperature still went up though like previously

ojm3

Did the guage level out?

ddv1126

Took it on highway today, it didn't hot red but leveled out after I exited, maybe a little above level. I'm wondering if I should get that two stage thermostat

ojm3

Temperature overshoot. Flush your system also slap 160 thermostat in. Their in two bottles of water wetter and call it a day.

ojm3

Damn predictive text has me sounding uneducated lol