Hi folks,
I'm the new owner of an '88 22R pickup a friend gave me, he had it for 20 years and did very little maintenance.
On my 1st test drive I noticed to temp gauge read very low, it would start below C and only move slightly above, just a hair.

I was planning on changing out the coolant anyway so I figured I'd change out the thermostat with a good Toyota one, which is what I did today.
Unfortunately the temp gauge reads exactly the same!

So now I'm suspecting the gauge or sensor. I've done some research and heard mention of the sensors on the thermostat, but it seems that the one for the gauge is a single wire/spade connection, correct?
Does anyone have an image or pic of the location for an '88? I've seen some diagrams for the 22RE but not for the 22R. I also don't have the FSM, just Haynes, which isn't helpful.

I do know how to test the gauge once I find the sucker, ground it and turn the key on, the gauge should spike, correct?

Any help would be dandy, I don't like running around with a wonky temp gauge.

thanks,
Mk

 

I just replaced my sensor on my 1990 22R Pickup. It is located near the thermostat housing. Just follow that single wire and you'll find it. I bought my replacement from Autozone and it is a little too long but it does work.

I'd buy one from 22RE Performance. They have the OEM.

As far as testing - I'm not really sure. Once I get the funds I'm going to see about putting in a manual aftermarket gauge so I can see some actual temps.


22RE Performance 22R Temp Sensor

 

Ah ok. I did see this in front of the housing, wasn't sure if it was the one or not. I actually pulled it anyway to see, grounded it, turned the key on, the gauge did nothing. It seems this would tell me that the gauge was dead but if that was the case wouldn't I be getting no reading at all when the truck was running? As I mentioned it does move a bit, it just stays low.

thanks,
Mk

 

Hi. You wrote that it is located near the thermostat housing and that I should just follow the single wire and I'll find it. I see lots of wires in that area and I gave up after an hour. I'm afraid that in many cases, words are meaningless to me, and I need a picture. It seems as if nowhere on the internet is anybody willing to show a picture of the location you describe. Are you able to help with that? Thanks.

 

Not exactly a "picture". More of a "diagram", but I hope it helps. This is a diagram of part of the water system. The red arrow points to the location of the sensor for the gauge. Does this help you at all?

Remember, no sealants or teflon tape in the sensor. That will mess the gauge's readings all up. When you pull the old sensor, a brass wire brush to clean the threads is a very good idea. Do NOT use a steel one. Aluminum threads will be destroyed by a steel brush. Only brass or Nylon bristles. It doesn't take very much corrosion on the threads to affect the reading of the gauge badly.

Is this any help?
Pat☺