1997 Saturn SL1 temp gauge (on dash)

1997 SATURN SL1
22,500 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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SUCCUBUS77
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hi my tem gauge on my dash will seem to work fine, then it jumps to almost in the red, then the fan will kick on for 2-5 seconds, then the gauge will all of a sudden drop all the way down to nothing and not work at all...i replaced the thermo in it, and it is still doing it...any ideas?
Jun 10, 2010 at 8:36 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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check for faulty engine coolant temp. (ECT) sensor
Jun 10, 2010 at 9:06 PM
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SUCCUBUS77
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thank you i will try that tomorrow
Jun 10, 2010 at 9:19 PM
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SUCCUBUS77
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do you happen to know how i can tell if it is bad, and where it is located?
Jun 10, 2010 at 9:33 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 16,542 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
it is located on the rear of the engine, pic below


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_Noname_2333.jpg

With an ohmmeter just connect to the 2 contacts while it's unplugged, or with a voltmeter you can check the outgoing voltage compared to the reference (input) voltage of 5 volts, if you connect some special jumper wires that allow access without puncturing the wires. Let me know what results you get and I'll post back wether it is within specs or bad.
Jun 10, 2010 at 9:39 PM
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