2000 Ford Explorer Temperature Gauge Not Working

Hi c22munsey. Welcome to the forum. Good test grounding the wire, but do you really mean the gauge went to "normal" or did it go all the way to the top? If it only went to the normal range, there is excessive resistance in that wire or the gauge isn't working properly. It should have gone to maximum.

Do you have access to a scanner that will read live sensor data? That will show what the Engine Computer is seeing from its coolant temperature sensor. If it is also low, try pinching the upper radiator hose to slow coolant flow through the radiator. If that brings the temperature up to normal, look for coolant bypassing the thermostat.

There are a lot of people here who would be happy to trade places with you. Lots of overheating issues, very few too cold concerns. :)

caradiodoc

Yup. Unplug the wire for the dash gauge and ground it, then see what the gauge reads. It should go to full hot. I'm not sure what "normal" means from your original post. Normal, as in where the gauge should be running during normal engine operation, or normal to be reading full hot when the wire is grounded.

Caradiodoc

I'll be out of town from Wednesday through Sunday night at the nation's second largest old car show swap meet at Iola, WI. Will check replies as soon as I get home.

Caradiodoc

Yup. Unplug it and if necessary, use a cotter, paper clip, or piece of scrap wire to connect the terminal to the engine. I use a clip lead so it will stay grounded while I trot around to look in the car. Don't need a helper that way.

Caradiodoc