Coolant Temp Guage

[hondaracer315]

Hey I have another question about my 02 f-250 7.3. The temp gauge will warm up above the normal running temp then actually bounce up and down to the normal spot and then back up until finally it'll rest at the normal running temp which is actually on the top of the symbol. Now tonight it did it again and I tapped the glass casing and the temp gauge came right down to where it is supposed to be. I also noticed when I shut the truck off then turn it back on the problem goes away also. I would like to know what is causing this.

I noticed when I let the truck warm up for about 10 minutes then get right on the highway doing 75 the temp gauge seems to get messed up but when I cruise around 65 it is fine it warms up slowly and stays where it should. I have changed the water pump t stat and sensor. Also it only does this in the cold weather below 45 degrees. Please help figure this out it is getting annoying now. And this is stock ford gauge.

Chris

[hondaracer315]

Any help here any answers.

Chris

[Raul@Stealth Automotive]

what brand of gauge is it?

[hondaracer315]

Raul it is a stock gauge whatever came with the truck I don't know what it is.

Chris

[NCHornet]

sounds like a bad gauge or a bad ground. Time to start tracing the wires down and look for a chaffed wire or a loose connection.

[hondaracer315]

Okay how do I pull out the instrument cluster?

Chris

[the1laf]

Originally Posted by hondaracer315

Okay how do I pull out the instrument cluster?

Chris

Tilt the steering wheel all the way down, get something under the edges of the instrument cluster bezel (that runs around the radio, headlight switch etc.) and pull straight back, that whole section is held in by traction style clips in various places. Unplug the headlight switch, radio(if not already done), and power point/cigarette lighter. It's a whole lot easier if you can remove the radio first, but it isn't totally necessary. Patiently wiggle the section back and forth until it's past the steering wheel and set the bezel to the side.

Now there are only like four screws and two plug-in's holding the instrument cluster in place.

[hondaracer315]

Hey thanks so much for your help that sounds easy. I was told I have to replace the hole cluster and not just that one gauge.

Chris

[the1laf]

Yes it would be easier just to replace the whole cluster. If you felt so inclined, you could put the soldering iron to work, but i'd just replace the whole setup.

[hondaracer315]

What about the transmission shift gauge orange tab?

Chris