Just bought an '99 Accord EX 4dr

Temp Gauge:
Noticed that even on COLD startups, the tempeture gauge goes straight to the middle of the gauge. Meaning no gradual warm up as far as the temp. needle guage goes. I did notice that they had done some radiator work because the wiring that goes to the radiator fan and condensor fan have both been re-wrapped, and there was coolant in the back of the trunk (like they spilled some). The car isnt overheating as far as I can tell. The top hose isnt really hard and there is no bubbling in the sytem, and the car drives great. Again needle doesnt budge either cooler nor hotter.

Door Locks:
I also noticed that the actual door lock button cover was missing on the driver side door, but when I press either the button on the alarm to close or open, or use the one on the passenger door, I can hear the actuators work but none of the locks go up nor down. Do you guys think that the door lock button cover makes some sort of electrical connection and needs to be there to operate the door locks correctly?

Thanks guys..all input appreciated.

 

So I just figured this out:

In the head near the distributor there's 2 temperature sensors. The one with a 2-wire connector is for the ECU. The one with only 1 wire is the sender for the gauge.

But, I've unplugged both and yet the guage still goes to the middle when turning the key/cold start. Is the 1 wire sender for the guage working off of resistance or what? I would have figured that if I unplugg it, it wouldnt read anything at the guage.

 

I believe if you unplug the one wire sender, the gauge should go all the way to hot. You are correct, it is working off resistance.

 

You see then if thats true, I have another problem. When I disconnect it, and turn the car back on it goes back to the same spot, whether the car is warmed up or not.

 

Bump!

 

When I un plug the two prong snesor my gauge stays on cold even when the car is warm. 1999 Accord EX 4 cyl 5-speed. But if a tap on the dash where the temp gauge is it jumps up to the normal range??