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Temperature gauge not working?

Tiny
PAMELA DUPREY
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 126,000 MILES
I have changed the thermostat two times thinking I had gotten a bad one the first time. I have changed the coolant sensor and now my temperature gauge sits on 100 in does it move and now it's spitting and sputtering at times when I go to take off and when I'm sitting with the brake on at a light it wants to accelerate and go on its own. But at that time the temperature gauge goes very high but it's not overheating.
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Friday, November 27th, 2020 AT 11:50 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,702 POSTS
I have seen a blown head gasket cause this issue, to be sure lets run this test to confirm the issue:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

if so this video can show you how to fix it:

https://youtu.be/Xi41RFMP8Ow

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Sunday, November 29th, 2020 AT 9:07 AM
Tiny
PAMELA DUPREY
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  • 9 POSTS
It's not a blown head gasket.
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 11:19 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, lets run the codes to see what's going on. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? that would be great. You can upload it here with your response.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Monday, December 14th, 2020 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
PAMELA DUPREY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
These are the codes I'm getting.
Now I have changed the thermostat twice, I have changed the coolant sensor, however neither one of these things made a change to my problem.
P0118
P0597
P0171
P0174
And most recently
C0265
My temperature gauge is still sitting on 100 and the only time it moves is when it accelerates on its own, and I'm not touching the gas pedal. It just wants to drive itself, then it cuts the truck off, like stalling the motor.
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Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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The P0118 is a coolant sensor issue. lets start there with a replacement/inspection check the connector. Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 8:17 AM
Tiny
PAMELA DUPREY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I have changed the coolant sensor and did a check of the plug in part, all good, and changed the thermostat 2 times.
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Thursday, December 17th, 2020 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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It sounds like the cluster needs to be replaced due to a faulty gauge. This video will show you how:

https://youtu.be/_HEC44xENxw

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Thursday, December 17th, 2020 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
PAMELA DUPREY
  • MEMBER
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What is a cluster and where do I find it?
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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It is the instrument cluster. Check out the video so you can see what I am talking about.
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Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
PAMELA DUPREY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I will try to find that and get to it.
Thank you.
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Thursday, December 24th, 2020 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Please let us know how it goes.
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Saturday, December 26th, 2020 AT 12:16 PM
Tiny
PAMELA DUPREY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I tried some thing else.
I purchased a new coolant sensor with a new connector and installed it.
It took away the check engine light and the temp gauge is working.
However now it's 35° outside and the is telling me that the truck is running hot, which I know it's not.
Took the truck for a test drive and the gauge went back down to 210°, then it would jack back up to 260°.
The check gauges light comes on every time it spikes up. But the check engine light doesn't come back on.
Do you have another helpful piece of advice for me? I am getting frustrated with this truck.
Please help!
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Sunday, December 27th, 2020 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Please don't get frustrated this is how the game works. Good job on getting the gauge to work but it still could be the cluster or the temperature sender is out of range. Is the replacement sender and AC Delco?
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 10:36 AM
Tiny
PAMELA DUPREY
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No it's a Duralast.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
PAMELA DUPREY
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
And now today the gauge is barely moving off 100, just a small bit.
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Monday, December 28th, 2020 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would try a different sender if that does do it the cluster will be next.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 1:41 PM

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