Falcon

I started having a mysterious problem a while back, and it's really been a PITA. At various times the temp gauge will peg all the way to max and the digital readout will be all XXXX'x. It's startling when it occurs and forces me to immediately pull over.

It's happened during the 1st lap of a race, and at other time 1/2 way through the race. In either case, it's ended the race for me.

After pulling over and turning the engine off, then restarting the engine, the temp is ~210* or so. But by then everyone is 1/2 lap ahead and no possible way to catch them, so it ends the race.

Many times it doesn't do it, and all is good. There doesn't seem to be rhyme nor reason as to why it occurs.

After finally getting tired of the problem, I put a new sensor in the head and it worked perfectly next time out.

But as one who likes suspenders and a belt, I installed an analog gauge, too. In case the regular gauge failed, I could use the analog to determine if it was really hot or just a failed gauge.

At Road Atlanta a couple of weeks ago, both gauges worked great for Sat's practice and qualifying. Come race time, everything was great for the 1st lap, then the stock gauge pegged with the XXXX's in the DIC. My eye's immediately went to the analog and it was steady at 220*. At least I completed the race knowing I wasn't burning up the motor.

Now, I'd like to get the stock gauge fixed, but since the problem is erratic, I can't make it repeat so we can diagnose the problem. The guys who work on the car a lot said it is probably something wrong in the gauge cluster in the dash.

Any of you guys have any ideas?

ErnieN85

They are right usually its a bad connection on the circuit board. best fix is a rebuilt cluster. but for a start try unpluging it and spraying the connections with contact cleaner (napa has it)
if that doesn't work its the cluster!

Jason

With the analog guage installed, I'd call it problem solved.

Wasserott

Falcon,

I have had the exact same experience...i didn't get an analog gauge but when it comes back it's always back to normal. I too swapped out the sending unit and continue to have this issue on a temporary basis. My luck has been a little better with it as it hasn't occured in a couple of months.

Chuck

RAFTRACER

I think both of your motors have been out to many times and there are circuit problems.

ErnieN85

Broken wires and bad (dirty) connectors

L98Terror

Have you tried tapping (Turn it forward) the ignition key to reset the gauges, you can do that down the straights and it worked to reset my Active Handling/ABS/Traction control.

0Randy@DRM

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...tion-long.html

Sorry guys for the long read. But it's worth it. I ended up with Bill Curle on the phone one night to get rid of my problems with the dash.

Randy

Falcon

Yea, I've done that. I even turned the engine off down a long straight and restarted it, and it was still maxed. Seems to have to stay off a minute or so before it resets.

You're right, with the analog I'm home free, but I still like things to work as they should, although it only occurs infrequently. Must be the accountant in me comng out.

Thanks guys for the help.