daves87iroc

I recently purchased an 87 305 TPI IROC, the Engine Temp gauge isn't working. I'm going to start with a new sensor, assuming that I find no wiring/connection problems this weekend. Has anyone done this replacement recently so that I may benefit form your experience?

ws6transam

Have you checked your wiring diagragm to see what else is in the circuit besides a coolant sensor and a gage?

Z28SORR

This helps.: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...mString=search
Though a wrench usually works just as well.

daves87iroc

So far it appears that the gauge and sender are the only things on the circuit. The sensor is the one on the drivers side of the engine between the #1/#3 plugs. I have the socket to replace it.

BigBadLou

Before you go out spending money on sensors and gauges, troubleshoot the circuit first.
Turn the ignition on and have someone watch the gauge on the instrument cluster.
- Disconnect the green wire from the sensor. The gauge should read full cold.
- Take the green wire and ground it (touch it to the block or headers - make a good connection). The gauge should read full hot.
If both tests pass, your gauge is basically operational but you can test it a little more with some resistors to see if it reads correctly.
If your gauge fails either test, there might be a problem in the wiring (short, break) or in the gauge itself.

Let us know what you find and we can take it from there.
Lou

daves87iroc

Thank you for the troubleshooting advice. I will let you know.

daves87iroc

Thanks for the solid advice, as it turned out it was a poor connection. all is working fine now.

mikesanto70

Now if your car runs hot in stop and go traffic, which I'm sure it will this summer, you can buy a fan switch from JEGS or Summit for like $40 Part # 60600 that goes in the passenger side head, looks just like the temp sending unit, but on other head, it will kick on the elec. fan at 195 and shut off at 185, this is a "must do cheap upgrade" since all these frickin cars run somewhat hot from factory. The stock fan seems to kick in at 220, by then it's to late and it's like pissin' up a rope to get that thing cool from there. Way cheaper than burning a chip to turn fans on earlier. FYI all 3rd gen boys!!! Best upgrade I ever did cause I live in Phoenix and this car hates anything over 100*

mikesanto70

Oh yeah, the part is made by JET chips part #60600

JEGS 1-800-345-4545 (JEGS) $39.99