Coolant Temp Gauge Malfunction...

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  • trig
    Noobie
    • Aug 2009
    • 13
    #1

    Coolant Temp Gauge Malfunction...

    What should I do here...

    My new E30's temp gauge isn't working. PO said the sender is new, I put an ohm meter on it and got lower and lower resistance as it heated up, so from what I've read on here that means it's working correctly. I also attempted to ground both wires out and although I'm not sure I ever found a real good grounding spot, the gauge never pinned in the red. SI board batteries were also replaced per PO, but the tach works so I don't think that's causing any issues anyways.

    I'm guessing I should go for an Autometer or something, but I'm not sure how that works with the stock sender, if it can even work with it.

    TIA.
    Tags: None
    • Jean
      Moderator
      • Aug 2006
      • 18228
      #2
      Don't go aftermarket. Fix it with oem parts dude. Head over to a local yard or ebay and buy another temp gauge if the si board is good. You can also pull the cluster and make sure the grounding nut on the back of the temp sensor is still there, and if you are comfortable inspect the board(s) inside as sometimes over time they develop bad/cold solder joints.
      Mtech1 v8 build thread - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=413205



      OEM v8 manual chip or dme - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho....php?p=4938827

        Comment

        • trig
          Noobie
          • Aug 2009
          • 13
          #3
          Originally posted by Jean
          Don't go aftermarket. Fix it with oem parts dude. Head over to a local yard or ebay and buy another temp gauge if the si board is good. You can also pull the cluster and make sure the grounding nut on the back of the temp sensor is still there, and if you are comfortable inspect the board(s) inside as sometimes over time they develop bad/cold solder joints.
          Yea, sorry, I forgot to say I've checked the back of the cluster too. The 7mm nuts were both tight and I tightened them more.

            Comment

            • Jean
              Moderator
              • Aug 2006
              • 18228
              #4
              When you ground the temp gauge leads in the engine bay the gauge should move..if it doesn't then something is up. Could be a bad connection. I would start with removing the cluster, checking the main and si board under a good light. Grab a spare temp gauge from another cluster of the same kind. Examples of where to look for cold solder joints http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=147797
              Mtech1 v8 build thread - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=413205



              OEM v8 manual chip or dme - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho....php?p=4938827

                Comment

                • trig
                  Noobie
                  • Aug 2009
                  • 13
                  #5
                  I've done some minor laptop circuit board repair. What kind of solder wire is safe to use on the board?

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