Temperature Gauge failed?? HELP!!

[akito]

Well, my car was fine this morning until about noon time when we left the water park and i notice after i have been driving for about 20-30 minutes my temp gauge is still down at the bottom and didnt move at all. It has been like that for the rest of the day too. I searched but nothing came up to why it would fail. Anybody knows? My car doesn't overheat but i want to know if it is at operating temp. I dont want to be driving and not knowing that it is overheating. Any input is greatly appreciated. I have a 87 NA.

[AF1JZ]

If you can't figure it out, I have a stock one that works in perfect condition that I could sell. PM me if you need it so you can get back on the road with a piece of mind.

[Big Wang Bandit]

Go to the thermostat housing. The wire in the middle, on the left, single wire, attahed to a prong.


That is probably loose. go play with it.

[akito]

If you can't figure it out, I have a stock one that works in perfect condition that I could sell. PM me if you need it so you can get back on the road with a piece of mind.

Thanks but i want to know why it is doing that.

[AF1JZ]

Just throwing it out there just in case that your gauge went bad. Give what Kyle said a try.

[akito]

Go to the thermostat housing. The wire in the middle, on the left, single wire, attahed to a prong.


That is probably loose. go play with it.

Thank you! Hopefully that is the issue. I'll do that as soon as i wake up tomorrow!!

[akito]

Just throwing it out there just in case that your gauge went bad. Give what Kyle said a try.

I am really appreciated your offer though.

[Big Wang Bandit]

My old 87 used to do it all the time. I just re crimped the spade on the prong, and It left me alone for a while. Hope it helps!

[akito]

Problem solved, it was just exactly what Kyle said. That prong was lose i took it out and plug it tightly back in and the gauge works again. Thanks Kyle!!!!!

[boosted17]

Go to the thermostat housing. The wire in the middle, on the left, single wire, attahed to a prong.


That is probably loose. go play with it.


Try this If that doesn't fix it get a new sensor. It is about 12 bucks.
If you want to see if that is the issue take a test light and touch the wire with the keys on on but not running temp gauge should spike up to hot. Then you know it is either bad connection or sensor.

[SupraMario]

My old 87 used to do it all the time. I just re crimped the spade on the prong, and It left me alone for a while. Hope it helps!

Its all that damn heat, and the plasitic being 20 years old doesn't help. Most of these cars have brittle plugs for almost everything.

[akito]

^^^ i guess that is what happened. Thanks for all the input guys!