Temperature sender wire?

2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
120,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
LOBOMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello, I have a 52 chevy styleline deluxe. I'm doing a ls swap. I put a 5.3 l with a 4l60e. I did a universal stand alone hardness. I followed your videos which help a ton. On the wires that go inside the vehicle, speedometer, tac and others, which one is used for the temp gauge? Please help.

Thank you
Aug 18, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,594 POSTS
The temperature gauge is run from an output from the PCM. So you will need a stand alone sender for the gauge, do not use the PCM coolant sender, it will not work. If you are using stock gauges the speedometer with not work with the PCM output, I assume you have an aftermarket tach correct? If so this should be a white wire to the signal input of the tach gauge. Please let me know which gauges you are using.
Aug 18, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Avatar
LOBOMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hello, why won't the temp wire from PCM work? I am using aftermarket gauges.
Aug 18, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,594 POSTS
The gauge does not have its own dedicated PCM output.

The only path is the Class 2 data bus (C1-59 Dark Green), which feeds both the OBD2 connector and the cluster.

If you’re wiring a swap harness and want to retain the factory gauge, you need that Class 2 line connected between PCM and cluster. If you’re bypassing the stock cluster, you’ll need an aftermarket gauge and its own sender.
Aug 18, 2025 at 11:51 AM
🔧 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