Temperature gauge on dash not working

STEVEN BAKER

MEMBER
1996 MERCURY VILLAGER
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
209,000 MILES

Have heat just no gauge. Too risky to keep on driving waiting for failure. How does one fix gauge or should I add my own temperature gauge?

Saturday, January 5th, 2019 AT 1:52 PM

5 Replies

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

It sounds just like your ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor) is not working. No need for an additional gauge.Let's fix yours. Here is a tutorial showing what's involved:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-coolant-temperature-sensor

I've attached a picture below showing its under hood location and circled it in red.Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

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Sunday, January 6th, 2019 AT 12:20 AM

STEVEN BAKER

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks. Since then I filled the gas tank up and the gauge is stuck on full. Any ideas? One friend said it could be the cluster itself. I do not know.

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Sunday, January 6th, 2019 AT 12:35 AM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

Are you having an issue with the engine temperature (heat) gauge or since you filled up with gasoline? Are you having a problem with the fuel level gauge? Which gauge (or both) are giving you trouble? We are trying to help you. Please let us know. Hope this helps and thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

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Sunday, January 6th, 2019 AT 1:18 AM

STEVEN BAKER

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Both gauges are not working. Fixing to replace temperature sensor. Any advice on gas gauge?

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Sunday, January 6th, 2019 AT 1:01 PM

DANNY L

MECHANIC
5,648 POSTS

Hello again.

It sounds like the fuel gauge sending unit is giving you a problem.The sending unit and the fuel pump are a complete assembly are are mounted inside the fuel tank.You will have to drop the fuel tank to gain access.Here is a tutorial showing the procedure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

I've also attached below a picture of step-by-step instructions for your vehicle.Hope this helps and feel free to ask any more questions if needed.Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

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