Temperature Gauge Issues
02-19-2019, 09:14 AM
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Temperature Gauge Issues
Hey all,
Recently the temperature gauge in my instrument cluster in my 92 Accord has been showing some issues. With the car on, no matter the engine temperature, the gauge pegs half way to where operating temperature would be, no fluctuation ever.
I've tested the temperature sending unit, before warming it up at all (~30F) it read 2.6kΩ, and at operating temperature (although fans never did come on, probably another issue), it read ~70Ω. While this is out of spec for operating temperature (literature stated 32-43 I believe), I wouldn't think this would cause my issue from my understanding of how a thermistor works (at 2.6kΩ it would read dead cold, and at 70Ω [assuming engine was at operating temp] it would be reading a little cold and the gauge would show a little under halfway).
The next thing I tested was the actual gauge. Without the temperature sending wire attached, the gauge did nothing. With the wire grounded, it shot up as high as it could immediately, in less than a second. The Honda manual states to not let the gauge go over H (which it definitely did), as this could damage the gauge. But from what I experienced, that would not be possible due to how quickly it shot up.
Another thing to note is that about a month ago I did replace the thermostat after it got stuck closed. I personally do not think this may have affected anything, as from my understanding the only thing that could change how the gauge functions is the sending unit and the gauge itself, and that issue did not arise until a month after replacing the thermostat.
I am of the belief the actual gauge is the issue, but would like the opinion of others before shelling out any cash. Secondly, if the gauge is the issue, is it possible to get a new one? I am able to find used ones on eBay, but can't find any OEM part number for it.
Thank you!
EDIT: I connected the sensor to the red wire via alligator clip and the gauge read correctly (or as correctly as it could with a faulty sender). Cleaned up the wire connector and the sensor, connected them back together and it worked fine. Feel so silly.
Recently the temperature gauge in my instrument cluster in my 92 Accord has been showing some issues. With the car on, no matter the engine temperature, the gauge pegs half way to where operating temperature would be, no fluctuation ever.
I've tested the temperature sending unit, before warming it up at all (~30F) it read 2.6kΩ, and at operating temperature (although fans never did come on, probably another issue), it read ~70Ω. While this is out of spec for operating temperature (literature stated 32-43 I believe), I wouldn't think this would cause my issue from my understanding of how a thermistor works (at 2.6kΩ it would read dead cold, and at 70Ω [assuming engine was at operating temp] it would be reading a little cold and the gauge would show a little under halfway).
The next thing I tested was the actual gauge. Without the temperature sending wire attached, the gauge did nothing. With the wire grounded, it shot up as high as it could immediately, in less than a second. The Honda manual states to not let the gauge go over H (which it definitely did), as this could damage the gauge. But from what I experienced, that would not be possible due to how quickly it shot up.
Another thing to note is that about a month ago I did replace the thermostat after it got stuck closed. I personally do not think this may have affected anything, as from my understanding the only thing that could change how the gauge functions is the sending unit and the gauge itself, and that issue did not arise until a month after replacing the thermostat.
I am of the belief the actual gauge is the issue, but would like the opinion of others before shelling out any cash. Secondly, if the gauge is the issue, is it possible to get a new one? I am able to find used ones on eBay, but can't find any OEM part number for it.
Thank you!
EDIT: I connected the sensor to the red wire via alligator clip and the gauge read correctly (or as correctly as it could with a faulty sender). Cleaned up the wire connector and the sensor, connected them back together and it worked fine. Feel so silly.
Last edited by elguy; 02-19-2019 at 10:50 AM.
02-21-2019, 03:05 PM
#2
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Temperature Gauge Issues
Here's the part# if this is the right model Accord. They're discontinued so I don't guess you can find a new one. I was wondering if you replaced your thermostat with an OEM brand
78130-SM4-A13
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