Guage Cluster Gremlin!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, Co. USA
Guage Cluster Gremlin!
Have a real problem with my guage cluster in my 1987 Camaro - All of my guages work except the Temp guage. Ive checked all of my fuses, and all are fine. My connections (thus far) also seem fine, but the Temp. remains buried at the top? Anybody seen this or have an idea what it could be?
What size motor?
If it is a Small block V8 there is a temp sensor in hte drivers side cylinder head between the front 2 cylinders.
It's pretty easy to replace and if i remember right does not cost that much.
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84 FIREBIRD-(undergoing rebuild)2.8 V6,5spd,T-Top
90 Formula Modded 350 TPI T-Top
WANTED:82-84 Firebird 2.5 4cyl,4spd-Just Cause
Previous 3rd gen's
83 Trans-Am 305 CFI auto T-TOP
84 Firebird 305 H.O. auto HARDTOP
87 Firebird 2.8 V-6 auto HARDTOP
If it is a Small block V8 there is a temp sensor in hte drivers side cylinder head between the front 2 cylinders.
It's pretty easy to replace and if i remember right does not cost that much.
------------------
84 FIREBIRD-(undergoing rebuild)2.8 V6,5spd,T-Top
90 Formula Modded 350 TPI T-Top
WANTED:82-84 Firebird 2.5 4cyl,4spd-Just Cause
Previous 3rd gen's
83 Trans-Am 305 CFI auto T-TOP
84 Firebird 305 H.O. auto HARDTOP
87 Firebird 2.8 V-6 auto HARDTOP
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 590
Likes: 0
From: Idaho Falls, ID, USA
is the needle burried or stuck? That guage has a real problem because it spikes when you start the car and sometimes the needle will get stuck on the ridge at the edge of the guage. If that's the case then just pust the needle back and bend the end down a little until it doesn't do this anymore. Hope this helps
TGO Supporter
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,775
Likes: 27
From: So.west IN
Car: 87 Formula/ 00 Xtreme
Engine: TPI 305/ v6
Transmission: struggling t-5/ 4l60E
Axle/Gears: 3.08/ 3.23
Does the gauge come back down w/the power off ? if yes, the gauge is probably grounding out, maybe the wrong sensor or just a bad one.
I've found out (and this might be the case with other thinking they have a severe temp problem), no one seems to make the original style sensor. They do not read the right temp. The new style have a spade plug on them as opposed to the round 'button' style equipped originally (at least for an 87 TPI motor). My gauge will read over 220º w/o the thermostat opening yet,, using an infrared thermometer reading the radiator temp at 191º (180º robert shaw stat) the gauge was almost in the red zone.
Just a warning in case you replace the sensor and it doesn't quite match.
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My Firebird
Your Car Here?
Part Diagrams
I've found out (and this might be the case with other thinking they have a severe temp problem), no one seems to make the original style sensor. They do not read the right temp. The new style have a spade plug on them as opposed to the round 'button' style equipped originally (at least for an 87 TPI motor). My gauge will read over 220º w/o the thermostat opening yet,, using an infrared thermometer reading the radiator temp at 191º (180º robert shaw stat) the gauge was almost in the red zone.
Just a warning in case you replace the sensor and it doesn't quite match.
------------------
My Firebird
Your Car Here?
Part Diagrams
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Lakewood, Co. USA
The engine in this particular Camaro is a 5.0 305 4 bbl. As far as the temp sensor goes, I must have gotten lucky because I replaced it, and its button style. As for the guage grounding out, it doesnt move at all, and when I tap the guage with my finger it seems to wiggle, almost indicating its not stuck - its bizzaro! Please, if you guys have any more suggestions keep em rollin (cause Im lost on this one). Thanx...
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