My temp gauge isn't working.

Chat about your MKIII (86C) inc GT/G40 Polo
Post Reply
Karl_CLCoupe
Platinum Member
Posts: 1131
Joined: Thu May 06, 2004 11:43 am
Location: Southport AKA: Mr Sambuca
Contact:

My temp gauge isn't working.

Post by Karl_CLCoupe »

My temperature gauge has stopped working for some unknown reason. Any ideas? The thermostat and everything are ok, as the fan kicks in at around 90 degrees, but the gauge on the dash has now started to stop registering this.

Any suggestions?

Karl.
DanW
Gold Member
Posts: 551
Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2003 2:09 pm
Location: Aberystwyth

Post by DanW »

have you opend up the dash yet?
hardhitter
Moderator
Posts: 1249
Joined: Mon Oct 14, 2002 10:35 pm
Location: Derbyshire 3F Guru
Contact:

Post by hardhitter »

Your temp sender might be faulty.
Karl_CLCoupe
Platinum Member
Posts: 1131
Joined: Thu May 06, 2004 11:43 am
Location: Southport AKA: Mr Sambuca
Contact:

Post by Karl_CLCoupe »

DanW: Haven't opened up the dash yet, still waiting for GT clocks.

hardhitter: Where is the temp sender located. I had a feeling the problem lay with something like that, as the fuel gauge and everything work fine. It might not be related to be trying to remove the plug from the ECU (which I couldn't do in the end)? It's been fine up until last night.

Thanks.

Karl.
LogIK
Silver Member
Posts: 440
Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2003 4:31 pm
Location: Burnage, Manchester

Post by LogIK »

The temp sender concerned for the guage on the dash is the black one, located here:

Image


If I was you, I'd replace this first. While you are there, if you haven't done already, replace the blue one for good measure. Although this has nothing to do with the operation of the dash gauge, it often can cause other running problems, so I think its worth replacing while you are there.

Anyway, if replacing the black temp sender does not solve the problem, it will be the solenoid on the gauge. In this case, you will have to replace the dash. You can easily get one from a scrapyard for about £5-£10.
DanW
Gold Member
Posts: 551
Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2003 2:09 pm
Location: Aberystwyth

Post by DanW »

:P I've got a spare temp gauge if you like Karl :roll:
Karl_CLCoupe
Platinum Member
Posts: 1131
Joined: Thu May 06, 2004 11:43 am
Location: Southport AKA: Mr Sambuca
Contact:

Post by Karl_CLCoupe »

I think the problem lies with the sender. The new dash I put in (GT one) works fine, so whether its an intermittent fault with the sender I don't know. Sender is best off being replaced in this case.

Thanks for the help, and thanks for the offer Dan.

Karl.
DanW
Gold Member
Posts: 551
Joined: Tue Dec 30, 2003 2:09 pm
Location: Aberystwyth

Post by DanW »

was only a bit of a joke either way Karl :roll: ,

I might get round to reaplcing the temp senders too, I'm just worried about collant and stuff. When/If you do replace em, would it be possiable to do a quick guide please? :)
LogIK
Silver Member
Posts: 440
Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2003 4:31 pm
Location: Burnage, Manchester

Post by LogIK »

Replacing the temp senders is a piece of p***. Your Dog could probably do it:

1. With the engine cold, ensure that the expansion tank cap it on (so you loose less coolant, as there is a vacuum in the system.)

2. Remove the plug and remove the retaining clip on the sender.

3. Pull out the sender. Be prepared for some coolant to flow out, so have an old ice cream tub to hand.

4. Recover the rubber o-ring

5. Clean up the area and the sealing face then replace the new sender with a new o-ring.

6. Re-fit the retaining clip and re-connect the plug

7. Top-up the coolant level as required.
retro
Getting There!
Posts: 66
Joined: Tue Jun 15, 2004 1:08 am
Location: The North West

if it's not the sender...

Post by retro »

If it isn't the sender, it could be a dodgy connection on the gauge. I fixed one once on a 1-litre CL, it worked intermittently for a while, theneventually gave up altogether.

When I looked behind the gauge, there's a big solder joint that joins the gauge to the instrument panel flexible circuit. Over time it had obviously vibrated about a bit and the connection had gone bad. I just re-soldered the joints and it worked fine. It was still ok last time I saw the car so it lasted at least 18 months.
Post Reply