Temp gauge not working

Tiny
AVENGERXJ
  • MEMBER
  • JEEP CHEROKEE
I have a 1987 Jeep Cherokee XJ Laredo, 4.0L, 4wd. Ok. Now this is driving me INSANE.

My temp gauge constantly stays about one notch above the left most notch. It is in this position whether the jeep is on, off, hot, or cold. If I move the gauge needle by hand to any position, the second I turn the key to ON, whether the jeep is hot or cold, the needle returns to this same position. I figured that it was probably the sensor, so I replaced it - and still the same.

From what I have read, the gauge has a 12v input and a variable ground from the sensor. So I checked the ground on the sensor and there is no ground hot or cold. I'm not sure if this is how it should be or not. Perhaps it is a possibility that I got a defective sensor, but I want to be sure before removing it again and spewing coolant everywhere.
Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 9:58 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
LYTN_J
  • MEMBER
  • 19 POSTS
I don't have a wiring diagram on your gage circuit. Take the connector loose from the sender unit on the engine block. Turn the key on, check for voltage at the connector with a DMM, anything?
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Monday, February 26th, 2007 AT 12:20 PM
Tiny
AVENGERXJ
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Checked continuity along voltage and ground (signal) wires and they were good. I opened up the intrument cluster and removed the temperature gauge. I noticed that one of the small wires that connects the coil within the gauge to the connections was severed. I replaced the gauge and the gauge seems to work now.
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Sunday, March 11th, 2007 AT 7:26 PM

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