Temperature Gauge

[gloverbaby]

Hello,

I was wondering if you guys knew how to fix the temperature gauge on the dash. It doesn't even move.

Thanks,
Eric

[Gr1m]

replacing the thermostat will most likely fix your problems

[[ion] C2]

or the ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor.

[gloverbaby]

I do believe the thermostat is fine.. Where do I find the ECT sensor?

[gloverbaby]

Ooooh the fuel gauge doesn't work either but I think the item that measures that is oxidized (sp). It would be expensive to fix, eh?

[Gr1m]

well the float that measures the amount of gas is part of the fuel pump so if you wanted a new one you would have to replace the pump, i think they are around $300 online

[Nate's Alero]

nah, more like 75$ but with something like that, get the expensive one..


your ECT is gone.... what engine?

[jayson_waltz]

well the float that measures the amount of gas is part of the fuel pump so if you wanted a new one you would have to replace the pump, i think they are around $300 online

wrong, you can replace just the sensor. i did.

[Nate's Alero]

wrong, you can replace just the sensor. i did.

really? huh

[alero_bmxer]

ya mine got just the sensor last time it was at the shop. a LOT cheaper than the whole pump.

[gloverbaby]

So where is the ECT? :)

[clutch1]

What engine?!?!

It's gonna be a 2 wire sensor, screwed somewhere into the side of the block or heads... usually near the upper half of the engine.

I'm toooo lazy to look up wire colors right now.. but I'll tell ya how to test it.

Unplug the sensor. Test both leads... one should have 5v coming in. Ohm across the sensor... should read something in the thousands (changes w/ temp, obviously).
Next, backprobe the ground wire with it plugged in!! Should see .0something volts... basically zero.
Then backprobe the power wire with it plugged in.. should see say... 2v (arbitrary number..) Run the car, as it runs and warms, the voltage reading should drop.

If it fails any of those tests, it's either the sensor, the plug, or the wiring...

[gloverbaby]

I found the ECT sensor. It looks very discolored, almost a orange color on both wires. That seems bad.

Eric