More Temp Gauge Fun - 82 CJ5

sgtbookie · 02-07-2009, 07:39 PM

Ok, all this talk of temp gauges got me wanting to get mine working. I should note that all my other gauges work just fine, minus the fuel gauge which is about a 1/4 of a tank off. I followed Johns web based troubleshooting guide (excellent btw) and here is where I am stumped. With the ignition in the run position (and the coil disconnected) I started at the temp sending unit, used my test light on the temp sending units connector, and got a flashing light. I then attached the wire to the sending unit, probed it, and got a flashing light.

Moving inside the Jeep, I disconnected the purple wire from the temp gauge and attempted to use the test light on it. I got no light. I tested the test light and I either killed the test light, or the cheap china made thing just decided to die. So Im not entirely sure I am getting power to the gauge.

I do have a multimeter, but must admit I am pretty well illiterate at figuring out how to use the dang thing, but more than willing to learn. Is there some setting I can use on it to determine if I am getting power from the sending unit to the gauge?

Thanks,

sgtbookie · 02-08-2009, 11:32 AM

Ok I pulled the speedometer, which is so much easier when playing with this. The only readings that I appear to have that are out of range are the:

Quote:

From "A" to "S" on the Temp meter. It should read 12-21 ohms. Same as the Fuel meter from "S" to "A" .

Temp A to S comes in around 23 ohms. Fuel S to A around 21 ohms.
Ok, getting the hang of this now. So if all the measurements look good, where do I go next?

**John Strenk** · 02-08-2009, 01:55 PM

well if you're getting a flashing light at the sensor I wouldn't need to go any further back.

You can put the meter in the volts position to check for power but it can fool you sometimes.

For now I would short the sensor wire to ground to see if the meter moves at all. Just hold it there for a second. The needle should move upscale if the meter is good.

sgtbookie · 02-08-2009, 02:13 PM

Well, I may have gone too far. The fuel gauge seems to be stuck in whatever position I put it in, and the temp meter pegs our at Hot as soon as I turn the ignition on. For now I have disconnected them both. Do you think I could have smoked them? The temp seems to still spring if I manually move the needle, the fuel doesnt.

I did take apart the fuel gauge, and non of the windings were broken.

Did I smoke my fuel gauge? Any recommendations on replacements if I did?

**John Strenk** · 02-08-2009, 02:23 PM

I'll if I can find the manufacturer but there was someone selling Gauges that are closer to the original design. Someone posted the name a couple of weeks ago.

If you get new ones I'd like to run an autopsy on your dead ones.

sgtbookie · 02-08-2009, 04:12 PM

Is it best to replace the gauges in pairs? Any way to determine if the temp gauge is ok?

I've still got the box of dash lights on my desk I keep meaning to get sent out. I can throw the bad gauges in the same box. Heck, maybe I'll burn something else out between now and then, of course , then I'll need a bigger box!

**John Strenk** · 02-08-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtbookie

Is it best to replace the gauges in pairs? Any way to determine if the temp gauge is ok?

I've still got the box of dash lights on my desk I keep meaning to get sent out. I can throw the bad gauges in the same box. Heck, maybe I'll burn something else out between now and then, of course , then I'll need a bigger box!

Yes I believe those gauges can be tested seperatly. Just connect 12 volts to the "I" teminal and the sensor to the "S" terminal.

If you get the better gauges, you will have to replace them as a set though.