93-245 Auto. Water temp gauge doesn't work. I will replace the circuit board eventually, but for now I just want to install an aftermarket water temp gauge.

How is this done?

Where is the temp sensor located?

How to install the gauge in one of the 2 gauge pods to the right of the instrument cluster, and make it look good?

What size gauge do I need?

Many thanks!

 

I got an 86 240 wagon and it is located on the cyl head intake side. I just use a 17mm deep socket and took it out without draining the anti-freeze. Just unscrew old one, but have the new one ready, take it out and quickly put the new one in. I put paper towels to catch the fluid. I think yours is the same. You got two sensors by flame trap. Mine has a little wire connection others might have a larger connection that clicks on to it(that might be the knock sensor). Any who....check out autozone or ipdusa or fcpgroton.com for an image.

Last but not least, you might have it on the left side of the radiator, if you are standing in front of the car engine.

 

I thought the gauge was the problem on mine but it was only the temp sensor. 17 bucks new

 

Thanks, I will check it out.

 

I have considered that, and even if it is just the sensor, I still want to install a digital gauge. I think I'll feel more comfortable this summer road tripping when it's 90-100 out.

So, when I install a temp gauge, can I use the new temp sensor (that comes with the gauge) in the old sensor location, or do I need to drill a new spot for it?

Thanks!

 

You will need to use the sensor that comes with the gauge. You will need to see what size the sensor is... It might fit in stock location.

There are too sensors. I believe the one under intake manifold runner 2(the front one) is the sensor for the ecu and the second one back is the gauge sensor.

 

Hey if it has the same thread pattern it should be no problem, also the depth of the new sensor should equal or less. This is something I would do as well, keep us posted on how it went.

 

Thanks for the tips!

I plan on doing it this weekend, so I'll let you know how it goes.

 

Does your car have a OBD-II port?

 

I don't know....I'm sure somebody out there knows, but I'd have to research it a little more.

 

Thanks, it is behind the 3rd intake runner. I halfheartedly attempted to remove the stock temp sensor yesterday, and had trouble finding which size it is. I tried 17mm, that seemed to small, 18mm to small, 19mm fit...but not sure at this point.

What is the easiest way to get down to the unit? Is it easier to remove anything to work on it?

Thanks!

 

Your 93 240 does not have OBDII as that came out in 96. There are two coolant sensors...the one by runner 2 (the more forward of the 2) is for the gauge...the one by #3 runner is for the ecu. As for replacing the gauge and sender, egauges.com has some decent prices. If you're intent on going digital they have a few. The size gauge you will need is 52mm. As for the thread size of the existing sender, I haven't a clue. I just pulled it an measured it and ordered appropriately. It can be removed with out pulling the intake...just takes a little finesse. In addition, you will need the gauge bezel and three small rubber feet that hold the gauge into the dash. Then, the bezel just snaps into place. By relocating your radio to the lower cubby you can install a three gauge cluster to have a total of 5 gauges.

 

What all you got on the dash?

Coolant temp
fuel?
volts?
I feel drawn to the light........

 

hey swift,

you sure the front one is not for the ecu... OBD 1 code 134 on 740s is the front sensor for ecu. the rear one is for the gauge.

is it really different?

 

Well, I finally pulled out the old temp sensor yesterday after driving around and finding one at a Napa. I wanted to try a new one to see if that cleared up the problem.

The Auto Meter temp sender is the same length, and width as the stock one. BUT, the threads are different, and slightly smaller, so it won't work in the stock location.

My next move was to try and utilize the stock sensor for the Auto Meter gauge. I'm not an electrician, so that didn't go well.

After reading more threads about the compensation board bypass, I kick my self now for not doing more research earlier on the subject. My temp needle goes just past the bottom line in on the stock gauge,...and that's it, under ANY driving conditions.

I'm going to jump #1 and #3 and see if that helps it.

I leave the compensation board out,...correct? Sorry for sounding stupid, but nobody has specified that.

Thanks!

 

The sensor I pulled from under the 3rd intake runner (harder to get to) using a 3/4 deep socket, was identical to the one I bought at Napa, and many other part stores showed. The front one has a 1-wire connector, which you just plug and unplug, but no actual clip.

Somebody get me on the right track here.!

 

Yes, you leave the comp board out after you do the bypass. The single wire temp sender is for the guage. The other sensor which is harder to get at, under runner #3, is for the fuel and ignition ECU.

 

Dang bill, all that work and I was replacing the wrong sensor...

Thanks for clearing it up!!!

So, could I just use the stock gauge sensor to connect to an aftermarket temp gauge? If that is the case,....it should be pretty simple.

A million thanks!