Temp sensor in the instrument cluster isn’t working. The old sending unit below the distributor was snapped off so I replaced it but it didn’t fix it. Pretty certain my temp gauge itself works because I swapped the cluster from another car so I could have a tachometer and it worked in the old car. Temp gauge didnt work before the cluster swap either. Don’t think it’s the fuse cause I think the fuel gauge and temp gauge are on the same fuse and my fuel gauge works. 92 Civic DX. Any help is appreciated

 

Unplug sending unit and ground the wire to the transmission.

Turn key to ON(II).

Does the temp gauge needle rise to HOT?

 

What do you mean by ground it to the transmission? I jumped the connector with a paper clip and stuck it to the transmission and it didn’t do anything when I turned the key on.

 

I think you are confusing the ECT sensor with the temperature gauge sensor. The gauge is controlled by a 1-wire sensor...see here: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-.../#post48013259

 

I have the right sensor, the one under the distributor. But it is a 2 wire sensor

 

That's the ECT sensor not the temp gauge sensor. There is two temperature sensors on these cars. One for the ECU (two wire) and one for the temp gauge (one wire). Both are on the distributor side of the head.

 

This is correct!

 

 

Appreciate it guys. I read that the sending unit for the gauge was underneath the distributor and I found the 2 wire sensor and assumed it was it. The other sensor is up under there pretty good harder to see. Going to look at it later on hopefully it’s just unplugged or something.

 

That part of the wiring harness is usually pretty brittle from heat exposure and age. I've seen several cars where the wire breaks off right at the black connector that just pushes onto the sensor. If that's the case, you can crimp a new connector on the original wire.

 

I went through the same exact issue a couple months ago. I replaced the thermostat and ECT sensor. But no luck whatsoever. So then I started replacing fuses. Nothing. But finally after everything I looked at the ECT sensor harness and it was caked with oil, debris, and God knows what else.
You should check that sensor harness. If it doesn't sit correctly you won't get a reading. Good luck.