Temp gauges

12-05-2005, 03:58 PM

Hello, i am new to the list so I don't know if this problem has been discussed before, the temp gauge in my NA fairlane is reading all over the shop, it will go up to the top of the gauge and then drop back to the bottom, this is after only a short period of driving and then just roams all over the gauge from then on, sometimes it will just jump up or down. The car does not appesr to be running hot and I have changed the thermostat with the only change being that it runs in the middle of the gauge when it does settle down for a bit ( used to run about 1/3 before this ). Is there a voltage stabiliser for the instrument panel because the fuel gauge also varies by a quarter of a tank without moving or driving the car, thanks for any advice Jon

13-05-2005, 02:21 PM

I guess by the lack of answers it must be normal behaviour for these things

Casper · 13-05-2005, 02:22 PM

your thermostat is stuffed. Its sticking and not opening/closing correctly. Replace it and I'm guessing your problems will be solved.

**Polyal** · 13-05-2005, 03:59 PM

yeah my old ea had this. It was ok unless the ambient temp went over say 30 degrees. Then the needle went nuts. I just kept conviencing myself that the car was lying...lol

13-05-2005, 05:54 PM

Have replaced thermo already, gauge is using nearly the full scale between thermo opening and closing so I am wondering which part is suspect, is there a voltage regulator for the instruments and if so where is it located, the fuel gauge is also giving strange readings, it will change by 1/4 of a tank without moving the car

ilsautomotive · 13-05-2005, 07:25 PM

Let me be the first to use the "drill a 3mm hole in the thermostat" cliche.

Though it sounds like the temperature variations are a little worse than normal in this case. I hope your thermostat was a genuine Ford item.

BuuBox · 14-05-2005, 04:54 PM

Mine does exactly the same, when the ambient temperature is below 15 or so, like on a cold Melbourne night, temperature guage goes nuts. Doesn't go past half way though, so hopefully not doing too much damage... Been meaning to change the thermostat for the last few weeks!

SupahStah · 14-05-2005, 04:56 PM

I beleive it might be either the guage, or the sensor. Does the other guages have any problems? if not, possibly sensor... had that prob wif my old man's NA at one stage...

14-05-2005, 05:38 PM

Thanks people, after more checks today to see if the car is actually running hot ( it's not ) it would seem that either the sender or the gauge is at fault. Changed the thermostat on Thursday and really no change, and no it wasn't a genuine ford one because Ford actually don't make Thermostats, they just buy and have them packaged and charge more for them like all car makers. Anyway the mafia staff car which is our new towcar for towing the Lotus Europa and 7 around is just what we wanted, electric everything and cruise control and it all works and is very comfy and lazy and a much more refined beast than its former tow vehicle the EA wagon with all manual windows and things, mind you the wago does have the EB11 4.0 litre motor, maybe I should swap it over and fir the multi point injection to it