2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 97 overhead console temp. not working

[Highfinance97]

My overhead console temp. is not is not working, It reads OC like 0 degress celsis or maybe OPEN CIRCUT any ideas?????



Michael

 

[DKarvwnaris]

My overhead console temp. is not is not working, It reads OC like 0 degress celsis or maybe OPEN CIRCUT any ideas?????



Michael

The sensor for the temp gauge ihas most likely failed or become damaged, possibly the wire going to it. The sensor is located on the front left of your truck's Core support. You can get to it pretty easy by just opening the hood. I can't remember the cost on it, but they are inexpensive, I'm thinking $20 or less. It is a 2 wire plug held in place with either a 8 or 10 mm head bolt. I have replaced them numerous times from "bumper hunting" deer and antelope. I now have a Reunel hanging out there for them to jump into :-laf One of the natural hazards of living on Montana that I won't miss for a while since transfering to Montgomery. (down here its the local montgomery driver you have to look out for, I am not sure which is worse, at least the other motorists MAY have ins. )

 

[Highfinance97]

DKarvwnaris , I took that sensor off of a half ton truck that was working and nothing changed I wonder what else it could be??

Do you think the OC means Open Circut????

 

[DKarvwnaris]

DKarvwnaris , I took that sensor off of a half ton truck that was working and nothing changed I wonder what else it could be??

Do you think the OC means Open Circut????

Not sure on the OC, haven't seen it before. I would follow the harness back and seen if it has been damaged anywhere, pinched wire, maybe corrosion in an exposed insulation section?

A friend of mine who worked as a main line tech in a Plymouth dealer mentioned testing the sensor with a ohm meter. Haven't had to fix one of the temp systems yet to try it. The console's circuit board is not cheap, maybe you can grab it out of the 1/2 ton you mentioned and switch the board for a few minutes as well?

 

[J Shocik]

from the '97 Service Manual, Pg. 8V-3: an "OC" (open circuit) will appear in the display in place of the temperature, when the sensor is exposed to temperatures below -40 deg. C (-40 deg. F), or if the sensor circuit is open.

There is a sensor test & a sensor circuit test described.



Sensor test: (1) Turn the ignition to the off position. Unplug the temperature sensor wire harness connector.



(2) Measure the resistance of the temperature sensor. At -40C (-40F) the sensor resistance is 336 kilohms. At 55C (140 F) the sensor resistance is 2. 488 kilohms. The sensor resistance should read between these two values. If OK, go to the Sensor Circuit Test. If not , replace the faulty sensor.



Sensor circuit test: (1) turn the ignition switch to the off position. Unplug the temp. sensor wire harness connector.



(2) Connect a jumper wire between the 2 terminals in the body half of the sensor wire harness connector.



(3) Remove the overhead console. Unplug the overhead console wire harness connector.



(4) Check for continuity between the sensor ground circuit & the ambient temp. sensor signal circuit cavities of the overhead console wire harness connector. There should be continuity. If OK, go to step 5. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.



(5) remove the jumper wire from the temp. sensor wire harness connnector. Check for continuity between the sensor ground circuit cavity of the overhead console wire harness connector and a good ground. there should be no continuity. If OK, go to step 6. If not OK, repair the short circuit as required.



(6) Check for continuity between the ambient temp. sensor signal circuit cavity of the overhead console wire harness connector & a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, see the compass & display module diagnosis in this group. If not OK, repair the short circiut as required.



The diagnosis testing shows either a faulty sensor, faulty sensor wiring, or a faulty display module, which has to be replaced. Hope this helps. John

 

[Highfinance97]

Thanks J Shocik

Ill check it out today, i apreciate it that you took the time thank you



Michael

 

[bmoeller]

DKarvwnaris-



Where does the temp sensor attach, specifically? Mine broke loose when I hit a deer and had to replace the radiator. The ear broke, and just have it zipped tied up. It is picking up heat from the radiator, even while driving, and reading high. Used to be right on.

 

[DKarvwnaris]

DKarvwnaris-



Where does the temp sensor attach, specifically? Mine broke loose when I hit a deer and had to replace the radiator. The ear broke, and just have it zipped tied up. It is picking up heat from the radiator, even while driving, and reading high. Used to be right on.

Pop your hood, looking at the front of the truck, locate the bottom inside (left) corner of your driver's headlight. You'll see a small 8 or 10 mm headed bolt down about 2" and to center of the truck about another 2" If you haven't found it yet since breaking the sensor off, you should still see the tab of plastic with the mounting bolt holding it place.

I moved mine down about 3" from its location on the core support so it wouldn't be cracked off anymore when the bumper moved back from light impacts. I have had no problems with temp readings being off , and I've hit another deer along with a large dog since then, both knocked the bumper's mounts off a little. The sensror has remained intact now. Stupid place for Dodge to put it originally, I think they engineer for trivial parts breakage when they crash test these trucks. Can't see why it would be directly behind the upper lip of the bumper

 

[ed9824v]

right on guys had OC the whole time I was gone for the last 4 days. just checked my OC open circuit and the rats have had a field day in the insulation of the hood and ate all the tires clear off will try to salvage or get a new one.