Drove two blocks this afternoon and the "check gauges" light came on. Checked and the temperature gauge was going crazy, jumping around before finally pinning itself at the hottest end of the scale.

Engine still cool, almost cold, lots of fluid in reservoir and radiator. This is on a 1994 with the 4.3 engine.

Could it be a faulty guage or a short? Have not yet dug under the dash and elsewhere to see.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Bill

 

scan for codes to make sure its not the temp sender and if no codes then its a good chance it may just be the gauge.

 

Bill, Being that your truck is a 1994 I would replace the sender.I doubt that you will have a code for it though. If it was your gauge usually the check gauge light will not come on when the gauge itself is acting up. Korey.

 

Okay, I will check the sending unit. Probably easier to replace than finding the gauge under the dash....

Now, where is the sending unit. My shop manual is on order so if anyone could let me know its location under the hood I'm on it..



Thanks,

Bill

 

Found the sender location, thanks Kordog, bought a replacement but could not get my socket around the old sender, bought a new, longer socket and then it would not fit between the block and the frame.

Tried to borrow more tools but finally had to give up and take it to my mechanic---his kids have not finished college so needed my support---again/still.

Fixed now
Upgraded sealed beams to Nighthawks while at the parts store and sure glad I did. Much, much brighter.
And, yes, the check engine light is now out.

Thanks all,

Bill