my 2004 cavalier temperature gage went out of wack.
i was driving down the road,and my dial on my temp gage turn almost all the way around, can i fix it on my own, and how
this gauge parallel's the Temp sensor...I'd change the temp sensor, and if that does not work would look to the gauge....both might be doing the best they can in a reduced voltage situation...it is this way because while you were not looking corrosion built around the negative system ground terminal...follow the black cable till it connects to the chassis ground....undo the bolt, wirebrush the end of the cable (lollipop w/hole in it) and the chassis (where the lug attaches) re-connect to allow the 300 amp path and the delicate small amperages at steady voltages....think that maybe this gauge is faithfully displaying the temp at 14 volts~ https://www.google.com/#q=2004+Chevrolet+Cavalier+temperature+sens or&tbm=shop
if you were having problems with cold starts and rich combustion would have to suggest the "air charge" sensor that you see listed...but you do not have these problems~
....o yeah, get a NEW battery if this one is older than five, as the new NOT lead batteries stop accepting a charge 10 percent per year~
if the gauge is the only thing wrong with the vehicle then you do not have a ground issue on the battery. the gauge is most likely the cause. you can take the cluster out and turn the gauge around or you may have to replace it. don't know if you can get it separate or not. I guess it could be the sending unit but I doubt it. definitely not the ground it would affect way more than just one gauge.
must have mis read the question. sounds like judge is trying to diagnose a starting issue.
You can repair the gauge yourself if you have the knowledge to open the gauge and reseal it after the fix. YUou need to know or find out what is causing the gauge to act that way, bad electronics or spring. After repairing it, you need to calibrate it using an ohm meter, spring tension tester, and mini voltage sending unit. Or take it to a auto gauge repair shop that has the knowledge and equipment to first test it to make sure it is bad, then repair it. If you don't want to do that, check out the cost of getting a new one for replacement. If you have a classic vehicle, and want to keep it looking original, have the gauge repaired. If not, have it tested only and replace it with a new one. A lot less dollars there. Like the Judge said, the sending unit may be bad, replace it first before tearing out your dash. A whole lot easier, and 98% of the time, that is the root of the problem.
thank you for the info but i didn't have to do that i just check the fuse and put a new one in and it worked.
Sometime the solution is so simple. Always start with the easiest possibilities and work out from there. Sometimes it is a lose or broken wire, lose nut or fastener, bad belt, or a small ball peen hammer to the side and it works. Glad to hear you found the problem.
