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For a while now, my coolant temp gauge in the instrument cluster would bounce according to the bumps on the road, only when engine is fully warmed up. So I disconnected the ECT sensor to see if there's anything unsual. Nothing suspicious found, so I plugged it back in. Now my temp gauge is at "Cold" all the time. OBD reader shows normal coolant temp rise.
I shorted the ECT connector to simulate a hot condition--gauge still shows Cold. Checked the yellow/red wire against ground--5 ohm. Disconnected battery for 30 minutes--no change.
Now, it looks like I'll have to pull the instrument cluster, which is not something I want to do since I don't really have a place to work on the car, but was wondering if anyone has any ideas or suggestions before I take this drastic measure.
Mine is a 2001, with the analog cluster.
Last edited by kennisonxgs; Nov 6, 2014 at 11:46 AM.
Reason: added info
If you have an OBD reader I wouldn't even bother trying to make the dash one work. If you don't have an aftermarket gauge pack (there are many different brands and flavors that do the same thing) then get a simple coolant temp gauge or tear into it. I understand not wanting to do the work in a driveway or parking lot. There are many options out there, just find one you like.
There are all kinds of places that repair instrument clusters, I saw one for Excursions for $239 and some that you have to tell them what's wrong and get a quote might be less.
Thanks for the responses, folks. I was hoping there would be some magical solution, but I guess a tear down is necessary since I do not like having an external gauge.
I might go with the Circuit Board Medics in the far, far, far future when I can leave the Ex inoperable for several days. Unless, someone knows if I can drive without the cluster installed?
Just thinking... are you sure that the temperature gauge uses the same coolant temperature sensor as the PCM does?
A lot of cars/trucks use a completely different sensor in a different location... maybe your sensor for you gauge is bad even though the CLT for the engine computer is fine?
(I don't know on these trucks, I haven't had mine long enough to have worked on the engine much.)