temp. meter problem

[deon1116]

i recently check out this 95 240sx, that i'm really interested buying. everything on it seems fine for a 11 years old car, except for the temperature meter. the needle on the meter only moves when the gas pedal is press, than fall right down to the bottom. it doesn't jump all the way to the top, just a little below the middle. any help will be appreciated?

[NISTECH]

The single black connector on the front of the intake has a loose lug on the sensor. Replace the single lug sensor and all will be good.

[deon1116]

thanks

i have decided to buy the car, it will be home on sunday.

[deon1116]

the sensor was replaced but still act the same

[NISTECH]

have some one sit in the car and wiggle the harness going to it while the key is on, car doesnt have to be running for this test. See if it jumps up and down while you wiggle the harness.

[deon1116]

finally got a chance to perform the test today with a friend.i let the car warn up for a few minutes.i noticed the needle react different with ignition on and engine not running.i try wiggle the harness but the gauge have no reaction, but after the wiggle needle would move and sometime it actually stay at 1/3 for awhile.but as soon as i turn on the motor the needle drop.

[NISTECH]

You have a short somewhere in the harness or at the gauge cluster. Could also be the old voltage regulator [if this car has one,cant remember for sure] How does the fuel gauge work?

[deon1116]

well i just got the car for not too long, but the fuel gauge seems to be fine.i only got to fuel the car up for one time.

[NISTECH]

You would be looking for the fuel gauge to be pegged on full.

[deon1116]

i got the tank filled full.the gauge moves but a little slow

[NISTECH]

As long as its moving its not pegged. Its not your voltage reg on the cluster. You have a wire issue in the harness along the valve cover then. The wire is likely shorted to another wire, one that only recieves power or ground when the key is on. Your going to have to trace that single wire from the sender into the harness untill you find the spot where it is shorted.