Ok my temp gauge is stuck at the bottom and never moves up

I already replaced the coolant temp sensor for the PCM so the only one left to do is for the gauge

what I want to know is what else could possibly be causing this? since I will probably have to drain all the coolant out and flush its probably easier to do evertyhign at once to try and fix this problem.

Mike

 

coolant guage sending unit maybe?

 

isnt that the same thing as the sensor?

 

Pull the harness connector off the coolant temp sensor on the drivers side head while the coolant is at normal operating temp (176-212degF). Check the resistance of the sensor. It should be in the range of 332 ohms (176degF) to 177 ohms (212degF). Then check it when the engine is cold. Should be in the range of 3,520 ohms (68degF) to 2,238 ohms (86degF).

If the resistance checks, the sensor is fine. If the resistance doesn't check, the sensor is bad.

To replace it, have the new sensor ready to install, unscrew the old sensor and put the new one in as quick as you can to minimize coolant loss. Then replace any spilled coolant and bleed the air. And as always, prevent any coolant from getting anywhere near the Opti.

 

thanks so much for those numbers, i'll be sure and check that. But isnt the sensor a bit hard to get at while the car is running? given the position of it, might be a bit hot?

 

I don't think I suggested changing it while the engine is running. Check the sensor resistance while the engine is hot, but off. That simply a matter of touching the single pin on the sensor with one of the ohm meter leads, and the block with the other lead.

Change it out when its cool. Be sure that there is no residual pressure in the radiator, by removing the cap.

 

doh i forgot I could just do it without unhooking it, i was haivng a brain fart, stupid me lol.

 

the new sensor fixed my problem , was not nearly as hard to change as I had expected either, THANK YOU SO MUCH!