I have a 1991 TBI RS Camaro. For some reason the engine temperature gauge no longer works on the dashboard of my car. All other guages work, and when I start the car, the temp guage shoots up like all the rest of them. Any ideas? Thanks!

Extra Note: I recently changed the spark plugs. Could I have hit or broken something to cause this?

[This message has been edited by Kao91 (edited June 21, 2001).]

 

Yep - VERY possible... the temp sending unit is between the #1 and #3 plugs, so you might have knocked the connector off, or broken it...

KAM

 

...and the reason the temperature gauge deflects all the way to the right when you start the car is to show that it's working.

The input to the gauge will be grounded when the ignition is in the "bulb check" or "start" position, but will connect the temperature sensor (resistance based upon temperature to ground) back to this gauge when in the "run" or "ignition" position. In other words, grounding the sensor input will deflect it all the way to the right, but an "open" or infinite resistance will deflect the pointer to the left.

As you probably now know, this check does not confirm that the sensor is connected to the gauge, only that the gauge is working (or at least connected to power).

The same thing happened to me when I changed the plugs

 

What did you have to replace when you did it? How much did it cost? Spark plugs #1 and #3 are the first two on the right if you are facing the engine (standing in front of the car) right? Thanks!

 

Yes, that's the position of the #1 and #3 plugs. Just check it out - mighta just knocked it loose. Don't see how you coulda damaged the sending unit by changing the plugs... Connector, msybe...

KAM