Common questions

Why is the temperature gauge on my Chevy truck not working?

Why is the temperature gauge on my Chevy truck not working?

All I have the same issue, I own a 1996 chevy pickup c1500, before I replaced the temperature gauge sensor, the gage read two lines below 210, after I replace the temp gradually climbs but the engine not as hot as where the gage reads, need advice stephan is on point for the diagnostic procedure. First.it’s not a thermostat issue.

How to check a temperature gauge and sending unit?

Here I check to see if the stock Chevy temperature gauge works by using a potentiometer to see a specific ohms resistance. The potentiometer can be set to mimic the temperature sending unit. This way you can start to isolate the problem why the temperature gauge does not work correctly.

How can I tell if my truck engine is overheating?

Air pockets are not visible, but it is easy to tell if you have one by double checking fluid levels and watching your gauge right after any cooling system work is performed. Air pockets can cause severe overheating and engine damage if left unchecked.

What should I do if my engine temperature sensor is not working?

The guage should stay to the left. Now with the key still on, momentairly ground that wire to the engine. Your guage should peg out. If it does both of these correctly, then you need a new temp sensor. If it does anything else with either of these two tests, then it’s a dash cluster/guage problem. Check your thermostat first!

How does the temp gauge on a Silverado work?

The temp. gauge fluctuates constantly between normal and 210^ in cool weather (40^ & below). Also during accleration it will rise to 210^ and drop back down, never staying at a constant temp. It constantly moves between normal and 210^, exempt during summer time it stays steady. I replaced the t-stat 3 times, having no affect.

What’s the temp on a 1999 Chevy Silverado?

I’ve got a “99” model Silverado with 5.3, 3.73 gears, pushbutton 4WD in it and just over 200K miles. Up until last 6 months it never got above 210 deg. I had water pump start leaking a bit at weep hole and replaced it along with thermostat and flush for radiator, heater core and block.

How to troubleshoot a temperature gauge in a car?

Temperature gauge troubleshooting begins with isolating the problem either to the gauge, sending unit, fuse or wiring. As with any electrical troubleshooting it is best to check all wiring connections are clean, tight and free of corrosion. The following process must be preformed with the ignition key turned to the “on” position.

What is the temp on a 1995 GMC k1500 Z71?

I have a 1995 GMC K1500 Z71 350 TBI. The temp. gauge fluctuates constantly between normal and 210^ in cool weather (40^ & below). Also during accleration it will rise to 210^ and drop back down, never staying at a constant temp. It constantly moves between normal and 210^, exempt during summer time it stays steady.

Where is the temp sensor on a GM Truck?

Replace the “temp switch”. It’s on the right side of the block, in between the exhaust headers, it’ll have a single green wire going to it from past the alternator. They cost like $20, and it’s an easy replacement. Be sure to get the “temp SWITCH” and NOT the “temp SENSOR”.

Can a bad thermostat cause an engine to not warm up?

If your thermostat is bad, the engine will never warm up, and that can make it look like the gage is bad. Are you sure it’s warming up properly? You can plug in a scan tool and check the readout on that temp sensor, which is much more likely to be accurate.

All I have the same issue, I own a 1996 chevy pickup c1500, before I replaced the temperature gauge sensor, the gage read two lines below 210, after I replace the temp gradually climbs but the engine not as hot as where the gage reads, need advice stephan is on point for the diagnostic procedure. First.it’s not a thermostat issue.

What should the coolant temp be on my Chevy?

I though the thermostat might be broken, so I replaced it with a 180 (was a 195). Problem continues except now it goes from 180 swings up to 210, then back below 180, then to 180 and repeates this all the time regardless of how long I drive. Anyone have any other ideas?

Why does my Chevy coolant keep going up and down?

Unfortunately just driving won’t eliminate the problem. when the cap is on it creates pressure and if there are air bubbles in the system, it will prevent it getting rid of the bubbles. The sender being in a different location is probably why you are seeing this fluctuation.

If your thermostat is bad, the engine will never warm up, and that can make it look like the gage is bad. Are you sure it’s warming up properly? You can plug in a scan tool and check the readout on that temp sensor, which is much more likely to be accurate.

What does it mean when your fuel gauge is stuck?

A stuck fuel gauge on your vehicle can not only be annoying, but also require you to keep track of how many miles you’ve driven since your last fill-up to prevent you from running out of gas. A fuel gauge works through a series of electrical connections from the sending unit to the gauge cluster,…

How to repair the odometer on a Chevy Avalanche?

In this Instructable, I will show you how to repair odometer/gear select (PRND321) LCD on your GM truck. In this case, mine is a ’02 Chevrolet Avalanche but this should apply to all GMT 800 series trucks within this age range. A common fault on ’99 – ’02 GM trucks was the permanent or intermittent failing of the odometer/gear select LCD.

Why is the odometer on my GM Truck not working?

A common fault on ’99 – ’02 GM trucks was the permanent or intermittent failing of the odometer/gear select LCD. This meant that you were unable to see what gear you were currently in, unable to determine the mileage of the vehicle, and unable to use the trip computer.

Why does my gas tank gauge not move?

If the dash gauge now reeds empty, the gas tank unit is defective. If the dash gauge needle fails t move, the dash gauge is defective. If the gas gauge works, but reads lower than it should, check for defective wiring between the gas gauge and the tank sending unit.

Why is my Ford coolant gauge not working?

A lot of Ford’s have 2 different coolant temp sensors. 1 for the pcm and 1 for the gauge. They are NOT interchangeable. One or both may be bad or they may be the wrong ones. Was this answer helpful? Similar prob: 94 toyota truck my gauge says cold. Idle high at stop lites. It was overheating and took therma out.

What to do if your gas gauge is on empty?

For example, if the gas gauge needle remains on empty when the ignition key is turned to the “on” position and you are sure the gas tank is partially full, battery current may not be reaching the gauge. To check further, connect a jumper wire between the ignition switch and the dash gauge.

What should the temp be on my GMC Truck?

After getting it back from having leaking intake gasket replaced, the temp would go up to 260 before it went back to 170 and then would sit for a little bit, go back to 210, back to 170, back to 245 or so, then back to 170, but It never seemed to run hot. I changed the thermostat with a brand new 190* from NAPA and it seemed to cure a little of it.

The guage should stay to the left. Now with the key still on, momentairly ground that wire to the engine. Your guage should peg out. If it does both of these correctly, then you need a new temp sensor. If it does anything else with either of these two tests, then it’s a dash cluster/guage problem. Check your thermostat first!

After getting it back from having leaking intake gasket replaced, the temp would go up to 260 before it went back to 170 and then would sit for a little bit, go back to 210, back to 170, back to 245 or so, then back to 170, but It never seemed to run hot. I changed the thermostat with a brand new 190* from NAPA and it seemed to cure a little of it.

Why does my coolant temperature gauge read Cold?

Using your coolant temperature gauge as an example, the diagnostic procedure involves locating and disconnecting the sending unit. With the ignition on, the gauge should register cold. If you connect the sending unit wire to ground, the gauge should switch to read hot. If the gauge moves as expected, then you can suspect a bad sending unit.

Here I check to see if the stock Chevy temperature gauge works by using a potentiometer to see a specific ohms resistance. The potentiometer can be set to mimic the temperature sending unit. This way you can start to isolate the problem why the temperature gauge does not work correctly.

Replace the “temp switch”. It’s on the right side of the block, in between the exhaust headers, it’ll have a single green wire going to it from past the alternator. They cost like $20, and it’s an easy replacement. Be sure to get the “temp SWITCH” and NOT the “temp SENSOR”.

What should the temperature gauge read when the engine is hot?

With a hot engine it should measure 30-50 Ohms. If it reads approx. 140 Ohm (or more) when the engine is both cold and hot then the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced. If the sensor reads 30-50 Ohms when the engine is hot then there may be a problem with the wiring back to the gauge or with the gauge itself.

What are the symptoms of a Chevy Vortec engine problem?

Symptoms of Failing Idle Control Valve and Throttle Position Sensor 1 Rough idling 2 Engine stalling 3 Hesitation during acceleration 4 Hard shifting and lack of power 5 Lack of accelerator responsiveness 6 P0122 engine code (TPS sensor)

What’s the normal temp of a GM Truck?

From buying research to owner support, join 1.5 MILLION GM Truck Enthusiasts every month who use GM-Trucks.com as a daily part of their ownership experience. Normal Operating Temp Characteristics? So, bought new truck last night (4.8 V8). Driving home today in heavy traffic. Temp gauge goes well beyond 210.

What kind of truck is a 96 Chevy?

– CarGurus 96 Chevy C1500 5.7L Vortec Truck won’t start, Replaced Fuel Pump, Filter & Has Spark.

How does the temperature gauge work in a car?

The gauge is actually a voltmeter. It reads temperature because that’s the system it represents. When the engine is cold, the temp sensor has high resistance. but as the engine warms up, the sensor responds and loses its resistance, allowing more voltage to go to the gauge.

What does it mean when temp sensor is pegged?

When the engine is cold, the temp sensor has high resistance. but as the engine warms up, the sensor responds and loses its resistance, allowing more voltage to go to the gauge. When a gauge is pegged, it means the sensor has lost all of its resistance OR there is a grounded wire, either of which will peg the gauge.

The gauge is actually a voltmeter. It reads temperature because that’s the system it represents. When the engine is cold, the temp sensor has high resistance. but as the engine warms up, the sensor responds and loses its resistance, allowing more voltage to go to the gauge.

Why is the temp Gage not working on my 2008 Trailblazer?

I have the same problem with my 2008 trailblazer., Temp gage not working and A/C not working, Intermittent problem, any one have a fix? Any decently equipped auto repair shop can use a *professional quality scanner* set to functional test and check the signal to ALL GAUGES in the instrument cluster..

What can I do if my temperature gauge stops working?

Any decently equipped auto repair shop can use a *professional quality scanner* set to functional test and check the signal to ALL GAUGES in the instrument cluster.. Then each gauge can be tested with the scanner to see if it is responding accordingly .. Im talking about a REAL automobile scanner that probably cost 8k $ and up ..

I have the same problem with my 2008 trailblazer., Temp gage not working and A/C not working, Intermittent problem, any one have a fix? Any decently equipped auto repair shop can use a *professional quality scanner* set to functional test and check the signal to ALL GAUGES in the instrument cluster..

Why is my coolant temp gauge not working?

The coolant temp gauge gets its input from the BCM and the AC gets told to do its thing there as well. You could have anything from a dirty connector (“fretting”) to a failed BCM.

Why does my AC gauge drop to cold?

That could cause the gauge to drop to cold since the IP gets its data from the BCM which gets it from the ECM. The ECT isn’t directly part of the A/C control logic since it only feeds the ECM.

Why does my Chevy Malibu not turn on?

Took it to the Chevy dealership and let them have it for a couple days, of course, didn’t act up. Most of the time, if you would turn the car off and back on, it would start working again. Finally, after fighting it for months, I got a check engine light for a thermostat code.

What’s the temp on my GM Silverado truck?

The exact thing happened with my truck 2006. Battery dead, changed it, and now temp gauge sets on 160. I will try and do as you did. Thanks for the help. Just changed battery on my 07 Silverado and the temp gauge will come up and then drop back to very low and stay there.

The exact thing happened with my truck 2006. Battery dead, changed it, and now temp gauge sets on 160. I will try and do as you did. Thanks for the help. Just changed battery on my 07 Silverado and the temp gauge will come up and then drop back to very low and stay there.

How can I tell if my light gauge is hot?

Check the gauge if the needle moves toward “Hot”, the wire from the gauge to the sending unit has an open or bad connection. If it does not move, connect a test light by grounding one end to a good known ground and the other end to positive side of the gauge (typically a pink wire).

Check the gauge if the needle moves toward “Hot”, the wire from the gauge to the sending unit has an open or bad connection. If it does not move, connect a test light by grounding one end to a good known ground and the other end to positive side of the gauge (typically a pink wire).

Why is my GM Suburban engine not working?

This Suburban has seen very little miles for several years. Was seriously thinking of selling it recently, as it’s had several mechanical issues creep up over the years and they have not been addressed.

Why is my speedometer stuck on my GM Silverado?

This section will outline all the most common problems that have been identified. The most common instrument cluster problem seen on the 03-06 GMs is faulty analog gauges. This is usually the first gauge problem the vehicle owner sees and is experienced as a stuck, sticky or jumpy gauge needle.

Why is my transmission temperature not working on my Silverado?

Silverado 2500, 3500 and 1500HD models got a factory transmission temperature gauge from the factory while all other models did not. The transmission temperature gauge suffers from the same tendency to fail as all the other gauges and again will be caused by a failing stepper motor.

What causes a bad gauge cluster in a Chevy Silverado?

Individual gauge problems are almost universally caused by failing gauge motors. Each gauge is controlled by one gauge motor called a stepper motor. For example, an instrument cluster with 6 analog gauges will have 6 stepper motors.

What should I do if my Guage sensor is not working?

Your guage should peg out. If it does both of these correctly, then you need a new temp sensor. If it does anything else with either of these two tests, then it’s a dash cluster/guage problem. Check your thermostat first! If your thermostat is bad, the engine will never warm up, and that can make it look like the gage is bad.

Where are the coolant temperature sensors on a Chevy?

(73) Select your preferred location and we’ll note which parts are ready to be picked up TODAY. Sensor, Coolant Temperature, 3/8 in. NPT Thread, Brass, Natural, Each Sensor, Coolant Temperature, Brass, Natural, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy, GMC, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Each Sensor, Coolant Temperature, 3/8 in. NPT Thread, Brass, Natural, Each

How to troubleshoot the engine coolant temperature ( ECT ) sensor?

This article will help you to troubleshoot the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor on your GM 4.3L, 5.0L, or 5.7L equipped pick up, van, mini-van or SUV. You can either use a multimeter or a scan tool (w/ Live Data capability) to diagnose the ECT sensor and/or trouble codes.

What kind of coolant does a Chevrolet C1500 use?

Mating connector with leads use PT728 0.0 out of 5 stars. 0.0 out of 5 stars. Notes: GM Original Equip., 2-way male. Use together with mating connector pt1798 0.0 out of 5 stars. 0.0 out of 5 stars. 0.0 out of 5 stars. Notes: Federal emissions (na5), altitude emissions (na6), rally gauges (z53). 3/8-18 threads.

Why does my Chevy Silverado have no heat?

One mid vent also produces no air. One heater line to the firewall from the engine is hot while the other is cold. a/c and heat all comes out of defrost vent and cannot switch from hot to cold without shouting off engine for a little bit. ac and heat doesnt work,fan worksin three of four speeds. Ditto.

How much does a Chevy Silverado heater cost?

One or more heater & AC (HVAC) air delivery and/or temperature mode door actuator may fail. This can result in incorrect air delivery or temperature. If this occurs, fault code (s) stored in the HVAC control module should be available to assist with diagnoses. The average cost for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 AC Diagnosis is between $53 -$67.

What kind of thermostat does a Chevy Silverado use?

A new Chevrolet Silverado thermostat from AutoZone keeps your truck performing like it should. Over time, Silverado thermostats become worn from repeated cycles or they get damaged from corrosion and rust. A defective thermostat prevents coolant from circulating through the engine block and leads to overheating.

Why does the coolant temperature gauge stay on cold?

The most common causes of a coolant temperature gauge which stays on cold are with the coolant temperature sensor itself. It’s recommended to check this component first. If you have more questions about this topic, you are welcome to leave a comment below, and I will try to answer your questions as fast as possible.

Why does my engine temperature stay on cold?

Reasons Why Your Engine Temperature Gauge Stays on Cold. 1. Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. 2. Faulty Gauge/Cluster. 3. Broken Wires to the Sensor Or to the Gauge. 4. Bad Thermostat.

What kind of body does a 1986 Chevy K10 have?

1986 Chevy K10 w/ 1983 Cab, 1984 Bed, 1987 Doors and a 6.2 Diesel Swap w/ 700R4 Trans. Truck body completely re-done between 2010 and 2012. The sensor in the block must match the gauge in the cluster.

What causes a 1994 Chevy C / K 1500 to bog down?

– CarGurus 1994 Chevy C1500 5.7 bogs/backfires when I give it gas. My truck bogs down (and tries to die) when I give it gas to accelerate off of a stop. There is often a backfire or two when this happens. Pumping the gas does not help. I basically have to crawl through any intersection until it picks up a bit of speed from idle. The truck

What should I do if my coolant temp keeps fluctuating?

It’s pretty common for the temp to fluctuate this much, certain locations for the temp sender are more sensitive than others. If you are worried about air trapped in the block, drill a couple 1/8 inch holes in the perimeter of the thermostat flange. This will drain any air pockets in the block within a week or so.

What kind of ABS does a 1994 Chevy S10 have?

I have a 1994 Chevy S10 pick-up, 2wd, V6 (not Vortex) with auto trans, ac, 4wheel ABS. My question is: Yesterday my abs light in the dash came on, at the same time I lost power to my air conditioner, m … read more

With a hot engine it should measure 30-50 Ohms. If it reads approx. 140 Ohm (or more) when the engine is both cold and hot then the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced. If the sensor reads 30-50 Ohms when the engine is hot then there may be a problem with the wiring back to the gauge or with the gauge itself.

Is it safe to drive without a temperature gauge?

It’s not safe to drive without a temperature gauge, but you may want to try an aftermarket solution in the meantime, so you can keep an eye on the temperature. You don’t need to make a permanent installation; just secure it properly and use it while you wait for the replacement.

It’s not safe to drive without a temperature gauge, but you may want to try an aftermarket solution in the meantime, so you can keep an eye on the temperature. You don’t need to make a permanent installation; just secure it properly and use it while you wait for the replacement.

What are the symptoms of a bad evaporator switch?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Evaporator Temperature Sensor (Switch) Common signs include lack of cold air coming from AC, temperature fluctuations, and the AC compressor not activating. by Ed Ruelas on January 07, 2016 1.

What are the symptoms of a bad temperature sensor?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Evaporator Temperature Sensor (Switch) 1 No cold air from the AC system. 2 AC temperature fluctuates. 3 AC compressor does not activate.

Why does my GMC 1500 heater not come down?

I HAVE A 2000 GMC PICKUP Z71 THAT THE CONTORL FOR THE TEMPERATURE DOES NOT COME DOWN UNTIL THE TRUCK IS SHUT OFF. THE HEATER CONTOL PANEL WAS JUST CHANGED. ALSO IT HAS AC AND MANUAL CONTROLS … read more

How can you tell if your Chevy Silverado fuel pump is going out?

The only way that you are going to know that your Silverado’s fuel pump is going out is that it is no longer providing enough fuel pressure to keep the engine running under a heavy load, or at high-speed. Typically, if you are heading up a hill (or accelerating) the engine may start to feel like it is just running out of steam.

What does the Check Engine light on the coolant temperature sensor do?

Check Engine Light comes on The coolant temperature sensor, also known as the coolant temperature switch, is an engine management system sensor that is used to monitor the temperature of the engine’s coolant. Most coolant temperature sensors operate using electrical resistance to measure the temperature of the coolant.

What is the temperature sending unit in a car?

by K.K. Lowell. The temperature sending unit, more properly known as a temperature sensor, is one of the most important sensors in your car. It is the sensor that tells the computer when the engine has warmed up sufficiently for the computer to pay attention to the many other sensors on the engine and exhaust.

Check Engine Light comes on The coolant temperature sensor, also known as the coolant temperature switch, is an engine management system sensor that is used to monitor the temperature of the engine’s coolant. Most coolant temperature sensors operate using electrical resistance to measure the temperature of the coolant.

Why is my engine temp not working on my Silverado?

I have a 2014 Silverado Z-71. One day I noticed the cooling fans staying on longer after engine shut off, thought nothing of it. Then one day the check engine light was on so I had the codes ran and it said it was either the thermostat or the temp sensor, but then the light went off and all was good.

Why is my engine temp gauge not working?

Then one day the check engine light was on so I had the codes ran and it said it was either the thermostat or the temp sensor, but then the light went off and all was good. The next day the temp gauge wouldn’t work so I changed the sensor but that didn’t fix the problem.

I have a 2014 Silverado Z-71. One day I noticed the cooling fans staying on longer after engine shut off, thought nothing of it. Then one day the check engine light was on so I had the codes ran and it said it was either the thermostat or the temp sensor, but then the light went off and all was good.

Where is the temperature gauge on a GM Truck?

Temp. gauge on dash stays completely at the far left/bottom. On startup (when key turned to start) the guage will briefly peg out to far right, but returns to left as soon as engine starts. checked coolant level (Overflow reservoir was empty, so I filled it to the “cold fill” line.

Why are the cooling fans not working on my Silverado Sierra?

I had the AC on in the truck today and noticed the air would get warm at idle. The AC was nice and cold if I was driving. I assumed a blend door was bad, but noticed the electric cooling fans were not coming on.

Your guage should peg out. If it does both of these correctly, then you need a new temp sensor. If it does anything else with either of these two tests, then it’s a dash cluster/guage problem. Check your thermostat first! If your thermostat is bad, the engine will never warm up, and that can make it look like the gage is bad.

What should the temp be on my GM Truck?

If I turn the key but not start the truck the gauge goes up to probably 180 now that it is cooler and will sit there just fine. When I start the truck, the needles all sweep to the left and go back. Temp goes back to 180 for a few seconds. About the time the flashing airbag light goes off, the gauge goes back down to 160.

Why are all the gauges on my GM Truck not working?

Last night I was comin home from the store and realized my speedometer wasn’t working (ins’t the first time) so i hit the dash, then realized NONE of the gauges were working.. Gas gauge, almost empty. Water temp, cold. No oil pressure. The alt wasn’t charging. No tac and no speedometer.

Why is the temperature gauge on the dashboard not working?

Thus, the temperature gauge on your dashboard is your window into the coolant temperature as seen by the temperature sending unit. It lets you know when the engine is cool, at operating temperature, overheating, or fluctuating. The sending unit is a thermistor. It is exposed on one side to engine coolant.

If I turn the key but not start the truck the gauge goes up to probably 180 now that it is cooler and will sit there just fine. When I start the truck, the needles all sweep to the left and go back. Temp goes back to 180 for a few seconds. About the time the flashing airbag light goes off, the gauge goes back down to 160.

How does the temperature gauge work on a car?

Its operating principles remain the same: A temperature sensor that reads engine temperature, and a display to show the temperature. Thus, the temperature gauge on your dashboard is your window into the coolant temperature as seen by the temperature sending unit.

What to do if your engine temperature Guage is not working?

That wire that’s on the temp sensor between the #1 & #3 spark plugs… Pull that wire off, leave it unhooked & turn on the key. The guage should stay to the left. Now with the key still on, momentairly ground that wire to the engine. Your guage should peg out. If it does both of these correctly, then you need a new temp sensor.

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Ruth Doyle