Temp Gauge Doesn't Work

[Aaron]

OK - I'm stuck here. My factory temperature gauge stopped working. I replaced the engine coolant temp sensor but that didn't do anything. I checked all fuses and I don't even think it's connected directly to a fuse so that doesn't look to be it. The rest of my gauges work so it's not something to do with the entire instrument cluster...any ideas?

 

[NKau]

For the effort you'll have to go through to get that guage fixed, you'd be further ahead investing a bit of money on some electrical autometer guages; at least oil press. and coolant temp. The factory aren't too accurate, and don't really alert you to anything but the most serious of problems.

 

[stangbear427]

What NKau said. Don't waste your time with the stock ones, they weren't reliable anyway. Just get some Autometers and be done with it.

 

[89MustangGX]

You probably need to replace the sender for the gauge -- it is different from the engine coolant temp sensor.

 

[Aaron]

Thanks for the various posts. I was debating on aftermarket gauges but, forgive my ignorance, I've never installed gauges before and don't really know what I would be getting into. Don't get me wrong - I have no problems fixing whatever is already there, but haven't gotten into any mods worth talking about yet.

#1 If I decide to go with aftermarket gauges, am I getting into a major project?

#2 If I decide to try and fix the original gauge, where is the sending unit located?

 

[89MustangGX]

#1 If I decide to go with aftermarket gauges, am I getting into a major project?

#2 If I decide to try and fix the original gauge, where is the sending unit located?

1) It's not MAJOR, but if you aren't comfortable with a little plumbing or a little electrical, it's probably not for you.

2) The sending unit is on the intake manifold, driver's side, at the very front. It has one little wire that plugs in on top of it -- and it just looks liek a little plug with an electrical connection.