Why doesn't my 64 Tbrid temp gauge work?
35

Asked by GuruZJK5X Dec 11, 2017 at 04:34 PM about the 1964 Ford Thunderbird

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have 5 volts at wire to the temperature sending unit (only a single wire to
it).  The temp gauge goes to max when i ground that wire.   When the car is
cold the resistance of the sending unit was about 2000 ohms to ground;
when the car was warmed up, I measured the resistance of the sending unit
to ground to be about 160 ohms, but still the temp gauge was still at
minimum.   When I put a 28 ohm resistor between the 5v wire and ground,
my temp gauge reads about 1/4 scale.   Everything seems as it should, the
only thing I can guess is my gauge may be faulty...

4 Answers
3,780

olds403 answered 6 years ago

I'd replace the sending unit , don't use Teflon pipe sealant or tape on the pipe thread a little grease will be fine The gage sound to me is as it should

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
35

GuruZJK5X answered 6 years ago

Thanks guys, I will change both the tstat and the sending unit (they are cheap enough) I'll order from Macs and post my results. Thanks again..

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
35

GuruZJK5X answered 6 years ago

Well, I changed the sensor (no tape, and I checked for continuity between sensor base and battery) and still the gauge does not move?! The cold resistance was 640 ohms, hot it was 64 ohms, and motor was too hot to keep my paws on, so tstat must be good. The 5v wire and clip are good too. I'm thinking its got to be something with guage...unless I'm missing something..

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
35

GuruZJK5X answered 6 years ago

Thanks Js08016. I have the updated "chip" type regulator, not the old wirewound type. It puts out a steady 5vdc. The oil pressure guage and fuel gauge both run off same regulator and both work. I'm thinking its got to be corroded or like, terminals/wiring to/at the temp gauge like you say. Or the gauge is damaged/out of calibration. Anyway, that's my next step to get behind dash and check wiring and connections and guage..when the weather allows....pretty darn cold now lol...

1 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • Why doesn't my 64 Tbrid temp gauge work? 4 Answers

    I have 5 volts at wire to the temperature sending unit (only a single wire to it). The temp gauge goes to max when i ground that wire. When the car is cold the resistance of the sending unit was ...

    1964 Ford Thunderbird

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Why would I loose both brake lights and tail lights on my 64 thunderbird? 5 Answers

    All other lights work. Could it have anything to do with the nuetral safety switch?

    1964 Ford Thunderbird

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2004 thunderbird dead battery and manual truck release doesn't work 1 Answer

    Any suggestions on how to get trunk open manual release behind seat doesn't work

    2004 Ford Thunderbird Pacific Coast Edition RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • why does my alighnment wobble 1 Answer

    I think my idle arm is broke cause my right side wobbles when i drive it im not sure though what it is.

    1976 Ford Thunderbird

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • How do I make my car window work? 2 Answers

    Ok so the motor in the passenger side power window of my 1993 ford thunderbird works just fine. I can hear it everyime I try to work the window, but my window won't move unless I grab the glass with m...

    1993 Ford Thunderbird LX RWD

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Thunderbird

Looking for a Used Thunderbird in your area?

CarGurus has 28 nationwide Thunderbird listings starting at $19,400.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Ford Thunderbird Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Larry Sturgis
    Reputation
    2,960
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    2,080
  • #3
    MrBlueOval
    Reputation
    1,570
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Mustang
35 Great Deals out of 1,596 listings starting at $7,999
Used Chevrolet Corvette
26 Great Deals out of 786 listings starting at $15,900
Used Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
14 Great Deals out of 118 listings starting at $9,055
Used Ford Galaxie 500
1 listing
Used Porsche 911
15 Great Deals out of 242 listings starting at $22,980
Used Chevrolet Impala
8 Great Deals out of 130 listings starting at $3,495

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.