The temp gauge on my 1990 4Runner 22RE normally sits at about 1/3 when at operating temp. I have noticed recently that when it is warming up it might 'flutter' periodically. In other words immediately drop to nothing and then back up. Is this likely the temp sensor or could it be something different (or more serious)? Have others experienced this? I couldn't find anything of similar symptoms on the site. I did just complete a fairly big job of replacing timing chain/cover, water pump, oil pump, oil pan gasket.

 

This?
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...ge-fix-271152/

 

Thanks, that is a good write up and gives all the details one would need to take out the gauge. Before doing that do you think it is worth trying a replacement of the temp sensor (or is that not likely the cause of such a symptom on the gauge)?

 

Well, before I started tearing the combination meter apart, I would at least run the tests in the FSM. http://web.archive.org/web/201102052.../6combinat.pdf

"Drop to nothing then back up" sounds like a loose wire on the sensor side. At a minimum, have your assistant pull the sensor connector, and see if meter looks like what you've seen before.

 

Thanks