temp gauge question

[Kurt Combs]

My temp gauge doesn't move off the peg anymore. When I bought the truck (72 F250, stock gauges) the gauges were indicating low all the time. I remove the cluster and adjusted the voltage to the gauges and it improved. My oil pressure looks about right, gas gauge is accurate, and the voltage is as useless as any other Ford truck of that year. I am ready to replace the thermostat again, but does it make sense that if the thermostat is stuck open it would never, ever, get warm even in 100 plus degree weather? Oh, by the way, if I turn off the engine and watch the gauge it will go up to about mid-way.

[bluef250]

What happens when you restart the truck? Does gauge slowly return to L?

The charge gauge is not well designed.

[Thunderfoot]

I would lean toward the sending unit as well... or it came disconnected.
But if you want to check the connection (wires) from the gauge to the sending unit, take and unhook the wire at the sending unit and ground it. The gauge should go to full HOT with the key on. If it doesn't move then you have either a problem with the wire somewhere or the gauge. To check the gauge you will have to pull the cluster out far enough to get to the back of the gauge, it will have 2 connections. One is the power and the other is from the sending unit, take and ground where the sending unit wire connects and see if it move to full HOT. If not then the gauge is bad.

Hope this helps.

[Kurt Combs]

I moved the wire at the sending unit and it now works???? The sending unit is at the most a year old and still looks new, the wire has a new end on it, so I don't know what was wrong. I will tighten the nut holding the wire after dinner and that should take care of it. Thanks everyone.

[Joshpow]

Might try some dielectric grease to make sure you don't get dirt or corrosion.

[Kurt Combs]

Hey Josh,

That sounds like a good idea. I am surprised I had a current problem at that location and that would take care of it.

Thanks, Kurt