my factory temp guage isnt working, i know its plugged in. is there a test i can do to make sure its the temp sensor and not the gauge. dont wanna throw parts and $$ at it.

 

get a factory service manual.( google : factory service manual (for your car)) look on page 16-80. it tells how to test all the coolant temp sensor stuff. im on lunch or i would post a pic but dont have time.
GL

 

that would be true if you are using the U.K. service manual, however, in the USDM service manual (which you should be using if the car is USDM), it is on page 23-94 - in this case, the 2 manuals are the same but in a lot of cases they are very different

 

i always just jump them to ground and see if the gauge moves

 

ok jumped to ground nothing...so upon investigation i found that i pulled wire out of connection that connects to sensor. so stripped wire back and wrapped around sensor temporarily and YAY it works. off to get a new connector and hook back up the right way.

thanks for the help, i wouldn't have thought about jumping to ground. i think only 1 or 2 strands where holding it together.

 

glad to be of service