Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) temp gauge sensor?

[tURBOdIEZEl]

last night i took my usual glance at the gauges and noticed my temp gauge making a slow rise to about 180, then about three seconds or so later it would gradually fall back to 0. at first i thought i was seeing things and it did it again. would this be some sort of a sensor issue? i know my engine is not over heating, i checked all fluid levels, including in the raditor... .

 

[JGheen]

Maybe a faulty sending unit or sensor took a dump on ya?? Not sure, does if flux from 0 to whatever temp you should be seeing a lot or just once in a while??

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

just took the rig out again..... it seems to be doing the same thing again... . takes it about 15-25 min to get to 180, then gradually falls back to o, and then back to 180. this wouldnt be signs of the thermostat going out would it?

 

[JGheen]

Well, that could be a sign of thermostat failure. I haven't had or heard of any failing before, but I am sure it happens. I would check the sending unit to the gauge, the temp sensor and the thermostat. Those would be my first investigations for problems. I would think if the sensor was working you could take a volt meter to it and see if it registers anything. Maybe someone else has some advice or experience with this issue your having.

 

[hsmith]

Originally posted by CBoerm

last night i took my usual glance at the gauges and noticed my temp gauge making a slow rise to about 180, then about three seconds or so later it would gradually fall back to 0. at first i thought i was seeing things and it did it again. would this be some sort of a sensor issue? i know my engine is not over heating, i checked all fluid levels, including in the raditor... .

OEM tstats in 97-97 make big swings in the gauge when cycling. Never had mine drop to zero though.

 

[JLC1]

Mine does the same thing, although not all the way down to zero. Mine runs up to 190 and drops way down to cool and constantly cycles when the truck is warm. It has done this ever since we had to replace the thermostat. I wonder if there is a little air that got into the system. I would have thought it would have worked its way out of there by now, but who knows. Haven't had time to investigate any further.

 

[Howard Durand]

I would guess a bad temperature sensor or connection in the wiring between the sensor and the instrument cluster. Probably at the sensor connector.

The sensor is located at the top rear of the engine block on the driver's side.

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

let me correct myself, it goes from 140 (all the way cold) to 190 and keeps re-cycling..... sorry for the wrong info

 

[SmokinU]

Chris,



Mine does the same thing all the time. It goes up to about 190, then goes back down. I go by my oil temp gauge. That thing never swings up and down in temperature, it stays at a constant 180 degrees.



Brandon

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

thanks bro... .

 

[dalton4]

The temp swings from about 150 - 190 are normal for the original thermostats that came with that year range. When it opens the large cooling system gives it a big drink of cool water. Replacement thermostats are holding a more steady reading.



My 96 has done it since new.