Inop coolant temp gauge after baseline
- Thread starter Thunder90
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Maybe there is air in the system..Try running it with the radiator cap off, keep testing the top hose for heat, when the thermostat opens the hose will get hot. Turn the engine off, replace the rad cap. Top up coolant when necessary and check level when cold over the next few days. If the top hose allows water into the radiator straight away then the thermostat is stuck open.
- Thread starter
- #3
Well, the mystery continues. It now seems electrical..
I did the above and checked everyting mechanically and nothing. Took rig back to dealer, they ran diagnostics and found the temp was at operating temp and the ECU was sending a signal properly. It is electrical.
They suggested that it had something to do with my add a fuse for my escort RD, or my yellowbox speedo correction.. And to start by removing those. If that didn't help, they suggested it could be a faulty circuit board in dash.
I removed both RD and YB and symptoms persist. Not surprised, as there was never a problem before with the RD and YB. Not convinced the circuit board is suddenly shot.
Another data point: I had installed the interior LED kit prior to bringing to dealer for follow up and now the gauges all jump and twitch for 15 seconds upon opening a door and activating the dome/door lights - all before putting key in ignition. Not sure if related or a separate problem.
Things that have happened in last week that may or may not be related.
1. Took dash apart and replaced a missing CDL light with an LED. Since replaced CDL lamp back to stock incandescent in case that was the issue. Charged a dead battery.
2. Had full fluid baseline service at dealer. (No flaming please, my SA allowed me to bring my own fluids at least and I didn't have time to DIY!). First noticed faulty temp gauge on drive home.
3. Installed LED kit from PFran that night. Noticed gauge needles flicker after this when opening door. Temp gauge stuck at dead low.
4. Took apart dash and Gave the temp needle a 'nudge' last night, freeing it from a manual sticktion point, but still won't come up all the way. Re-tightened dash screws to ensure proper connection to wiring harness. Checked all fuses. No codes on scanner.
5. Today, the temp gauge came up but stays just above C. In addition to that, the Tach is now reading 200 RPMs low regardless of load.
Did I screw something up when taking apart dash initially?
Did the mechanic do something wonky?
Did the LEDs short out something?
Did the yellowbox do something?
Next steps: remove LEDs to see if that affects the dash flicker.
Sincerely appreciate anybody's expertise that may help me solve this.
I did the above and checked everyting mechanically and nothing. Took rig back to dealer, they ran diagnostics and found the temp was at operating temp and the ECU was sending a signal properly. It is electrical.
They suggested that it had something to do with my add a fuse for my escort RD, or my yellowbox speedo correction.. And to start by removing those. If that didn't help, they suggested it could be a faulty circuit board in dash.
I removed both RD and YB and symptoms persist. Not surprised, as there was never a problem before with the RD and YB. Not convinced the circuit board is suddenly shot.
Another data point: I had installed the interior LED kit prior to bringing to dealer for follow up and now the gauges all jump and twitch for 15 seconds upon opening a door and activating the dome/door lights - all before putting key in ignition. Not sure if related or a separate problem.
Things that have happened in last week that may or may not be related.
1. Took dash apart and replaced a missing CDL light with an LED. Since replaced CDL lamp back to stock incandescent in case that was the issue. Charged a dead battery.
2. Had full fluid baseline service at dealer. (No flaming please, my SA allowed me to bring my own fluids at least and I didn't have time to DIY!). First noticed faulty temp gauge on drive home.
3. Installed LED kit from PFran that night. Noticed gauge needles flicker after this when opening door. Temp gauge stuck at dead low.
4. Took apart dash and Gave the temp needle a 'nudge' last night, freeing it from a manual sticktion point, but still won't come up all the way. Re-tightened dash screws to ensure proper connection to wiring harness. Checked all fuses. No codes on scanner.
5. Today, the temp gauge came up but stays just above C. In addition to that, the Tach is now reading 200 RPMs low regardless of load.
Did I screw something up when taking apart dash initially?
Did the mechanic do something wonky?
Did the LEDs short out something?
Did the yellowbox do something?
Next steps: remove LEDs to see if that affects the dash flicker.
Sincerely appreciate anybody's expertise that may help me solve this.
Yes, put back to stock and try first.
If you removed the cluster I would check there. I pulled mine out to replace a bulb and didn't get it seated EXACTLY right. Chased a random cruise control issue for a year because of it.
Can I ask what your random cruise control issue was, mine cuts out intermittently and I have removed the instrument cluster..It did work good before, I have tried to reseat it but it still happens.
Thanks