My temp gauge was not working, so I shorted the wire to test it, and it only peaks straight vertical in the middle of the normal range... I read it should max out the gauge. (I shorted it to the door latch, so maybe there could have been some resistance causing that)

so I reinstalled the wire, crimping it down a little for a better connection, and now it works when I drive, but is levels out just shy of the "N"

should I try replacing the sender? or is there a problem with the gauge?

thanks

 

bump?

 

Too many factors that you haven't included... engine, thermostat, quality of your coolant ect... I would think that the thermostat you have installed would play a major factor on the temperature its running at and where on the temp gauge the needle resides.

R

 

engine is 5.8, thermostat is whatever was in when I got the truck, same with coolant.

Since this post, I replaced the sending unit and put dielectric on the connector. same deal. at running temp, the needle moves maybe 1/8" from where it sits when the truck is off.