Just installed an after market oil pressure and water temp gauges. Also installed new OEM thermostat with 1 drilled hole in it. Problem is the factory water temp sensor (mine is on the top right by the thermostat) always reads in the middle on the dash. Can I just remove this sensor from the runner and leave the aftermarket one in? Or does the factory one do more than just give a reading at the dash cluster. BTW the factory water sensor is OEM new.

'87 4Runner 2.4 4x4 Auto tranny.

 

it might help with the computer info for it being warm or cold, i would add a t and have both there so u know, or find another spot to put the aftermarket one.

 

the factory temp gauge sensor is in the intake manifold, between intake runners 2-3. You have to get your head right on top of the engine to see it down there.

The one that communicates with the ECU is below the thermostat housing with a green plug on it. the EFI temp sensor.

there are a couple possibilities for the one in the Thermostat housing. Depending on the style of plug.

It probably is the Fuel Pressure Up switch. It lowers the fuel pressure during warm/hot starts i think... Google will probably answer that for you.


Why do you want to remove it? FYI the one on my truck reads in the middle 80% of the time...and its unplugged!!! I have an aftermarket sensor in its place.

 

I did the same thing. I have the after market one in the hole and the factory is unplugged now. The factory one has a single style plug. Sounds like I can keep this one (factory) unplugged without problems ? If it works with the ECU for cold or hot starts then I'll hook it back up. Does anyone know what the ohm or volt reading should be at the end of the plug where it plugs into the sensor?

 

Hey... where did you put the aftermarket one? and if it is always reading in the middle the lead going to the dash is broken. this one doesn't do anything with the ecu.

 

I put the after market in place of the factory. Thank God I did cause when I replaced the radiator I forgot to burp her. At the time I was running the after market one through an LCE in line pipe adapter made for an extra temp gauge. The factory never went above half. So, next question, can I use a volt/ohmmeter to check the wire? What should be the reading on the meter ?