1988 Honda Accord 1988 Honda Accord LXi Temperature Gauge

1988 HONDA ACCORD
237,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
DGL9876
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
When I turn the ignition switch to the On (II) position the temperature gauge will go to middle of "C" and "H" and this is after the car has been sitting for at least a day. When I start to drive the car the needle will go "H" and then return to the middle and then return back to "H". The car never overheats it is just seems that the gauge is giving a false reading. I have already replaced the thermostat and coolant temperature sending unit. The coolant levels have been checked and are good. Is there anything else that could cause this problem or is the next step to replace the fuel/temperature gauge?
May 13, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Avatar
2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sounds like you may have a gauge problem, the temp sender is pretty simple one wire set-up, its usually a bad sender. Try unplugging the single wire off the temp sender and grounding it out, the temp gauge should go full hot
May 15, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Avatar
DGL9876
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I ran you suggested test and received different results each time I did the test. The first time the temp gauge went up about 3/4 the way and stopped, the second time the temp gauge went to "H" for a split second and then came back down to the middle and the third time the gauge only went up a 1/4 of the way. I replaced the temp sender last week before this test. Do these results point to the temp gauge or could there be an electrical problem?
May 18, 2009 at 5:28 AM
Avatar
2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
Could be abad wire between the sender and the gauge.You will need to use a meter to measure the resistance in that wire to see if it is bad
May 18, 2009 at 6:12 AM
Avatar
DGL9876
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Do you know what range the resistance should be?
May 20, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Avatar
2CARPRO JACK
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 11,533 POSTS
If you are testng from the cnnector at the back of the dash to where it plugs on the sender , it should have little to no resistance, that wire needs to be used for a varied resistance for the gauge, it has to be a good connection
May 20, 2009 at 1:57 PM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle