76 CJ5 Temperature Gauge working, but not 100%

[Mike]

Hey Jeepers!

I have a question about the temperature circuit. I installed a new sending unit, wire has good continuity, and gauge is new (along with new fuel gauge). Temp gauge is working, but just raises about a needle's width off of "cold." That's about as good as it gets. Was wondering if there's a possibility that the sending unit I have could be too high/too low resistance or not sensitive enough to register more heat. The thermostat is open, heater is red hot, as are all hoses. Moving needle shows me that it's functioning, but isn't doing me much good not being anywhere near accurate. Does anyone have any thoughts? Fuel gauge works fine, as I know they're integral. Thanks.

 

[rushpowersystems]

With the key on, have someone hold the connector to the temp sensor to the engine or the body this will ground the circuit. If the needle moves to the other side you have a good gauge and wiring. Just touch it first, if a spark jumps when you touch the wire you have wiring problems, don’t hold it to ground until you fix the problem.

You really need an way to test the heat, I use an touches thermal with a lazar pointer. They are very accurate, get a heat reading on the radiator, the head, and the body of the sensor. They will not be the same numbers but the head and sensor should be close. Sometimes people will use too much Teflon tape and that will distort the sensors ability to send a ground signal to the gauge. If you don’t have much tape and the readings are way off you need to replace the sensor with the one designed to work with the gauge.

If all else fails remember it is designed to be a animated idiot light.

 

[Mike]

Thanks, will do!