So I replaced the coolant temperature sensor for the gauge cluster and after that my temp gauge on my cluster has been higher than it normally is I KNOW my car isn’t overheating i’m reading the ECT off of my scanner and it sits from 185-190 I’m wondering if this is a cluster issue or maybe it’s because I didn’t get an OEM part. if it is the cluster is there anyway that I can fix this on my own. first picture is while the car is on with the engine running and once I turn the engine off, it sits at its proper level.


PICS (Engine Running)


IGN ON

 

You mentioned it only started after you replaced the sensor with an aftermarket part, I would start there and swap it for an OEM part.

 

The temperature sensor should be 198.5 Ω ±3% @ 50℃. I worry that the aftermarket sensor you bought may be far lesser value than this.

 

when you see the needle rise, if you rev the engine and hold does the needle drop? if so, it's trapped air in your coolant system which will need to be bled out. this is of course assuming the sensor is reading properly in the first place.

did you bleed the coolant after the sensor replacement?

 

Where would you recommend to get one, I went to autozone and oriely i know they aren’t the best but i was frustrated bc no one had the part.

 

I noticed with the new sensor when it’s warming up before 130 F it’s already at half way, I have a scanner telling me the ECT but the gauge is reading way higher How would i test that, multimeter and set it to ohms?

 

If your temperature gauge had shown the correct reading prior to changing the sensor then most likely the new sensor is faulty. OEM is preferred but a name brand aftermarket should work just fine as it's basically just a thermistor (a pre-calibrated variable resistor). If you bled the coolant before or after replacing the sensor then you have air in your coolant system so do a quick test per TimmyOtool's suggestion & the easiest way to bleed the air out is to put a rag over the coolant reservoir's cap & slowly open the cap for the air to escape after the engine had warmed up. Make sure you use a rag & open the cap slowly so you won't burn yourself from the hot coolant.

 

Gauge uses a different sensor vs. the engine computer, which one did you replace?

 

Yes, use your multimeter setting the mode to ohms.

 

the single wire one the one that goes to the gauge lol that’s how i’m still able to read ECT

 

I have a 1994 LS. I shipped the intrument cluster to "Soarer Surgeon" in New Zealand. He fixed the issues and returned it to me. Total time,.. 4 weeks. He is good.