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Water temp gauge doesn’t work. Where to look first?

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NickL73

Water temp gauge doesn’t work. Where to look first?

Pretty much as stated in the title. My water temp gauge doesn’t work. Where should I be looking to diagnose the issue? The gauge itself? The wiring? Thermometer?

What tests can I do to check where the failure occurs?

Car work beginner, here to learn and get some experience!

My Bullnose:
1984 F-150 Short Bed, 302 V8, Three on the Tree

My Daily:
2012 Ford Mustang V6, Performance Package

ArdWrknTrk

Re: Water temp gauge doesn’t work. Where to look first?

Administrator

Remove the red/white wire from the water temp sender and ground it to the engine block.
Get in the truck and turn the ignition to ON... not start.
You should see the gauge slowly rise to the top of the scale.
Turn the key back off so you don't burn out the gauge.

If it does, the sender is bad and is simple to replace.
If the needle still doesn't budge you're going to have to remove the instrument panel so you can check the wire for continuity.

Jim,
Lil'Red is a '87 F250 HD, 4.10's, 1356 4x4, Zf-5, 3G, PMGR, Saginaw PS, desmogged with a Holley 80508 and Performer intake.
Too much other stuff to mention.