coolant temp sender testing

[Nova_Tek]

Need some quick answers peeps...

Temp gauge isn't rising in the Cav. Wiring looks fine but want to test the sender screwed in to the thermostat housing (not the CTS).

Have a multi metre just need to know how.

Many thanks in advance.

[brainsnova]

Earth the wire at the sender the gauge will then read max

[Nova_Tek]

That will tell me if the gauge is working. I wanna know if the sender is.

[brainsnova]

That rules out everything bar the sender

[shed-on-wheels]

boil the kettle leave the sensor pluged in turn ignition lights on and see if it moves when you put it in a boiling hot kettle if not its fubard!

[Nova_Tek]

Gauge works as expected but even running for 20 mins no go when plugged in.

[Stuart]

dead sender then

[swedge]

so it works when put in the kettle using the same wiring in the car but not when its actually fitted to the car?

[Nova_Tek]

^ no mate, gauge works when wire is earthed but when the wire is plugged into the sender and the engine has run for 20 mins the gauge shows diddly squat.

[shed-on-wheels]

senders gone then dude

[Nova_Tek]

Well seeing as buying a double cheeseburger and medium fries is more expensive I may as well buy a brand new one. Think it also needs a new water pump too.

[Nova_Tek]

UPDATE

Looking to fit the sender today but I first thought I'd see if it works... assuming that plugging in the wire and dropping it in a bowl of boiling water should see the gauge go up.

I did that but the gauge won't move. Does this mean it'll only work when screwed into the block?

If it don't work then what else can it be? The gauge works itself as when earthed it moves meaning the wiring is ok too!

[Stuart]

yes needs to be screwed into the block/grounded to the gauge.

[Nova_Tek]

Had a feeling lol

off to change it!

[Nova_Tek]

Well that was easy! Eexpected a torrent of coolant to gush out of the hole where the sender is... only a treacle, I guess coz the coolant tank cap was in place. Time to start it up and hope for the best.

[Andy]

Please tell me you didnt actually take the advice of actually putting it in your kettle?
Replies dont come more idiotic than that tbh,coolant is poison.

[Nova_Tek]

assuming that plugging in the wire and dropping it in a bowl of boiling water should see the gauge go up.

I did that but the gauge won't move.

^ doesn't say anywhere that I put anything in the kettle.

As I wrote in my post, I put boiling water into a bowl and put the new sender in it.

[Andy]

The others did though,they just said bang it in a kettle lol

[Nova_Tek]

That would be silly, hence me not doing it lol

[Andy]

That would be silly, hence me not doing it lol
I knew you had the sense not to,its just if anyone else reads it who hasnt a clue lol

[Minikidx14]

Nothing wrong with using a kettle. I have a spare one just for this reason :)