Erratic water temp gauge

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by paul 1052, May 5, 2011.

  1. paul 1052

    paul 1052 Heavy Load Member

    899
    346
    Oct 9, 2010
    Sand Springs, Ok.
    0
    Today the needle on my water temp gauge just started bouncing all over, now while im sitting and idling its bottomed out.

    Does anyone know if this sounds like the problem is a bad gauge or sending unit?
     
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  3. TWshane

    TWshane Bobtail Member

    6
    0
    Mar 24, 2010
    lexington,nc
    0
    Sounds to me its the circuit for the sending unit, possible shorting out causing the gauge to peg and finally broke into, if I can help let me know, Thanks, Shane
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 13, 2011
  4. Nevs

    Nevs Light Load Member

    295
    107
    Dec 25, 2010
    flyover country (Iowa)
    0
    I'd just be happy if mine read accurately. It's always 15-20* cooler than it's actually running according to my Cat ID. New sender didn't fix it and neither did a gauge.....
     
  5. paul 1052

    paul 1052 Heavy Load Member

    899
    346
    Oct 9, 2010
    Sand Springs, Ok.
    0
    Im afraid that's it... its bouncing from an accurate # down to the bottom never above. I hate wiring problems
     
  6. paul 1052

    paul 1052 Heavy Load Member

    899
    346
    Oct 9, 2010
    Sand Springs, Ok.
    0
    As suddenly as it started it stopped and is normal again.
     
  7. paul 1052

    paul 1052 Heavy Load Member

    899
    346
    Oct 9, 2010
    Sand Springs, Ok.
    0
    I spent over $1,000 at Rush in Tulsa chasing a low temp gauge. Turns out that mine has 2 water temp sensors one for the gauge and the other for the ECM. The gauge reads the temp as it leaves the radiator and the ECM reads from somewhere else and is why my gauge is nowhere near 210 when the fan comes on.

    My fan stayed on constantly once and the ECM sensor was bad, that's how the mechanic explained the temp difference to me at that time.
     
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