Gauges turn off then after they came back on the temperature gauge gave a false reading

PACKINHEAT

MEMBER
2006 SUZUKI FORENZA
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
136,000 MILES

About a minute before reaching my destination, my gauges turned off then instantly came back on. Right after the temperature gauge rose past normal then before it reached the last mark it dropped instantly to normal. This hasn't happened before. The only other time the temperature rose was when my main radiator fan broke a month ago but the new one is still working. Could the ECM have anything to do with this or could it just be a sensor?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

To me it sounds like the instrument cluster is failing However, I did look through common causes for failure. What I found is a lists of tests. One is to remove the cluster and check power to specific pins on the connector. Also, one thing that is mentioned I found odd. That is to check if the charging system is overcharging, which could cause the problem.

Take a look at the pic below at what I highlighted. Let me know if you are comfortable performing the test. Also, I need you to check the alternator output. Here is a link that explains how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. Also, the ECM could be causing problems. However, what I would suggest is to have the CAN bus system scanned. CAN stands for computer area network. Scanning the CAN bus system checks the operation of that system and all modules. Here is a video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

If it's possible to have that done, I suggest it.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)