Stuck engine temp gauge fix?

[macro]

So every time I drive the van it seems the gauge starts off from where it stopped the day before. Sometimes it starts off a touch lower but not often. Today it hit the halfway mark and made me think I should do something about it.

I just changed the "T" sensor on top of the block and I have a new thermostat coming from RMI just to be sure that's not it.

Now, I've had the dash apart before because I've had this problem for a bit and assumed it was just the gauge and fiddled with it a bit but I didn't realize that the dash is a computer board so I stopped at "fiddling". Guess I'm just old fashioned!

So, assuming that I still have the same problem after I change the thermostat, how can I fix the gauge? Dammit Jim, I'm a plumber not a computer man!!!

[macro]

So I hopped in today after the van sat for at least 24hrs. Gauge was still dead centre! Running the vents on high heat doesn't change anything and it really doesn't seem to be running hot. Anyone know of a reliable way to check engine temp without a temp gauge??

[Big-Bird]

How to check the sensor. (if you only have one wire then the sensor grounds through its body)



How to check the gauge, he does eventually get to it. Can't play this in a shell due to how it was uploaded.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MZSXoCXwDQ

[macro]

Well, the temp sensor is brand new, I changed it yesterday, gauge didn't move. Is there another sensor perhaps that I don't know of?
IMG_7253 by TheMacrobius, on Flickr
Here's what I mean. I left the van for over a day, got in and this is where the gauge was sitting before I even turned the key. It's been creeping higher every time I drive for a while though.

So, it doesn't bottom out anymore. Where it sits now seems to be it's "zero" and when it does rise, it doesn't always settle back to where it was. Sometimes, but not always. Obviously. BUT since it's engine temperature I want to be damn sure that I'm not cooking it.

[macro]

Also, I like the cut of that guys jib. So the sensor I need to ground out is the "T" connector, if I'm understanding this correctly. So, for arguments sake, if that doesn't move the gauge, what would be the next step?

[Big-Bird]

So to answer your query about temp sensors....there are 2.....at least according to Mdocuk forum.

One feeds a signal to the temp gauge the other feeds an ECU....I can't be sure if this string relates to a Gen 1 or Gen 2 Delica as they don't specify. Also the pics have been removed...that would have been helpful.

http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38703

Or you could go read the manual on how to check the L400's Temp-sensor system in our technical manuals area.
http://www.delica.ca/manuals/L-400%20Ma ... TRICAL.pdf

[thelazygreenfox]

Macro
I use a laser temp probe to check brake, bearing, differential, transmission, transmission cooler and engine coolant temperatures. Thermostat and heater core too..

My 99 gen 2 chamonix arrived in awesome condition but I gave it a once over to verify all the parts were operating at the correct temps. I just returned from a fishing trip in 30-40 deg C temps and nothing overheated. It takes a load off your mind when climbing the Coq in these temps.

Count out the burn marks at the side of the Coquihalla Hwy, best to not be one of those...

Big-Bird Thanks for that info, didn't know that.

PS Fishing was great.
TLGF
Wayne

[macro]

Well, after being stuck in Toronto rush hour traffic yesterday, I can say with confidence that the van isn't overheating. It seems to be as I thought, the gauge started out looking like the above picture and rose it's normal height. About 1/4, which looks slightly alarming but the the needle travel is now from 1/2 to 3/4 instead of 0 to 1/4. So, does anyone know how to unstick or zero a gauge? I mean, it's all computers back there, but it can't be that tough can it??

[macro]

For another update here, I've tried to ground out the coolant sensor on top of the block with no change on the gauge. I have also changed the thermostat, because why not? Glad I did because the temp rating on the old one was 88C and the new is 76.5C.

I'm wondering if the gauge can be "zeroed" with an OBD?

It's still not exactly overheating as far as I can tell. Which is nice, but after reading those two articles (Thanks Big-Bird) it appears that my option is to change the gauge. Which isn't happening, a EGT gauge is a better option and something I've been planning on doing anyways.

So to answer your query about temp sensors....there are 2.....at least according to Mdocuk forum.

One feeds a signal to the temp gauge the other feeds an ECU....I can't be sure if this string relates to a Gen 1 or Gen 2 Delica as they don't specify. Also the pics have been removed...that would have been helpful.

http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=38703

Or you could go read the manual on how to check the L400's Temp-sensor system in our technical manuals area.
http://www.delica.ca/manuals/L-400%20Ma ... TRICAL.pdf

[Big-Bird]

Once a needle type temp gauge loses its 'zero' position it can't be fixed. The internals are usually toast at that point.

You could install an aftermarket unit...perhaps a digital read out, but where to put it....thats your mystery to solve I guess.

There are EGT combo gauges that can show multiple info. Autometer has a good selection.

[macro]

Well, if its "zero" is now the halfway point, I can live with that. Combined with a good autometer gauge I'll be able to keep an eye on everything at least. Thanks for the help!!

[Big-Bird]

You didn't have that temperature needle off at some point by chance? They are a light press fit, done by hand.

[macro]

You didn't have that temperature needle off at some point by chance? They are a light press fit, done by hand.

I did once, but that was after this all started happening. So, it wasn't my fiddling that caused it but I'm pretty sure I didn't make it any better. It wasn't like all of a sudden it started being wonky, this has been slowly happening for awhile.