Temperature Gauge not working

[t1971Chally]

 :clueless:Ok guys, I need your help!  I have a 71 Dodge Challenger with a 440-4bbl.  The temperature gauge will not work.  Need some ideas how to proceed.  Not sure how to check the temperature sending unit, or the gauge itself.  please help......Ted

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Ted,

  This shouldn't be too bad. The wire up front on you engine that goes to the sending unit.. Just ground that. The temp gauge should go to the top. If it does, your sending unit is bad. That's a cheap fix. What I mean is, ground this wire, and turn your key to the "on" position. It should read all the way.


  Mike

[GoodysGotaCuda]

yep with the above, if that does happen. Then it could be a bad sender, bad engine ground, teflon tape on the sender threads, etc. If not, check the bulkhead connections, and then the gauge itself could be the culprit.

[t1971Chally]

Ok guys, first thanks for the help!  I grounded the wire going to the sending unit, turned the key on and nothing....Temp gauge needle did not move.  So where should I go from here?  Guys I really appreciate your help....Ted.

[Bullitt-]

You could jump the gauge to ground & if it works you know the problem is in the wiring, if not then it's the gauge.....assuming it's getting power, the fuel & oil pressure are working?

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Not that it matters, but do you have standard gauges, or rally gauges? In either case, if the gas gauge works, your voltage limiter should be OK on the back of the gauges. When you grounded the temp sending unit wire, where did you ground it to? Sorry to nit-pick, but you need a clean ground(no paint), so I was just wondering. It can be tricky. If what you have said is true, it looks like a bad temp gauge. If you have Rally gauges and it hangs waaay low, it's dead.  



  Mike

[t1971Chally]

MEK - Dangerfield,

Sorry for not answering your question,  I have standard gauges.