since I bought my car the temp. gauge in the dash has always been stuck above the max temp. I don't belive my car is overheating or I don't think I would have been able to drive it this far. Could it by my temperature sensor? If I replace it will my gauge go back to normal. If anyone knows what this is can you tell me what it is and how to fix it?

 

A short in the line could cause this. First make sure your wiring is all ok. Then it could possibly be the temp sensor. It's a good idea to change it anyway so it's working properly and it doesnt hurt the wallet too much.

 

Hey there.
I have an 87 IROC and had the same problem. The needle was pinned up above the MAX TEMP and wouldn't move. It may be that I have a bad sensor somewhere but I'll tell you my experience and what I did to fix the problem.

Free the Needle
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Remove the bezel and plexiglass that covers your gauge cluster, so you can examine your Temp guage needle. Mine was wedged up in the corner of the gauge and I had to free it with my finger, and let it drop down into its normal resting position.

Start the Car
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With the temp gauge exposed and accesible, start the car and watch the needle. As I turn the key in my car, the needle jumps up and pins itself just into the corner of the gauge just before the starter cranks. With the car running, gently free the needle and see if returns to the normal position and displays the proper temp. Mine did.

I don't know why this happens but I asked several people on the board to start their car and watch their temp needle, and others have the same problem of the needle spiking.

What I did to fix the problem
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As a temporary fix, and completely undetectable, I took a Dremel cut-off wheel and carefully removed a small portion of the LIP of the gauge where the needle was getting stuck. This allows the needle to spike up when starting, but then return to its operating position. I am not saying this is the proper fix, but it solved my problem and is undetectable with the bezel covering it.

I drive my car every day and needed a quick-fix so thats what I decided to do. Let us know what you find out and what you did to fix the problem.

Here is the thread of my dilemma some time back hope it helps: My Temp gauge is pinned...

-Jason