Coolant temp gauge readings
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Port Arthur Texas
Coolant temp gauge readings
Has anyone experienced this? About a month ago when the temp starting to change outside for winter, my 97 Vette's Coolant Temp Gauge at start up immediately read 240 degrees and the DIC stated warning overheating, this was at start up in 34 degree weather. After a few start and stops from the ignition swith the temp went to actual normal readings and ran fine. Periodically at start up again the reading goes from hot to cold, when the gauge reads hot the car shuts down and when it reads normal runs fine. I have checked the entire cooling system and everything checked out. Anyone ever had this issue and how did you get it resolved. I started to start with the sending unit and measure the Ohms. I have been to all the dealerships in my area none of these guys seem to be very sharp on Vettes. I'd assume doing the repairs myself if not to extensive of a job. Please help? 
Last edited by gcgxplosv1216; Dec 26, 2006 at 12:45 AM. Reason: spelling
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Has anyone experienced this? About a month ago when the temp starting to change outside for winter, my 97 Vette's Coolant Temp Gauge at start up immediately read 240 degrees and the DIC stated warning overheating, this was at start up in 34 degree weather. After a few start and stops from the ignition swith the temp went to actual normal readings and ran fine. Periodically at start up again the reading goes from hot to cold, when the gauge reads hot the car shuts down and when it reads normal runs fine. I have checked the entire cooling system and everything checked out. Anyone ever had this issue and how did you get it resolved. I started to start with the sending unit and measure the Ohms. I have been to all the dealerships in my area none of these guys seem to be very sharp on Vettes. I'd assume doing the repairs myself if not to extensive of a job. Please help?
How to check the DIC:
Hold down the Options button and then push the fuel button four times, the DIC will display the codes.
Here is a list of the CODES:
http://www.stengel.net/diccodes.htm
Good luck..
Last edited by SLPRC5; Dec 26, 2006 at 09:28 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
It sounds like the sensor or the wiring may be the problem since this is intermittent. The ECT sensor is located on the lower left of the block just above the first spark plug and just forward of the exhaust manifold. A short in the circuit will result in a high temperature reading. If you unplug the sensor and attach and ohm meter check what the sensor measures. If it measures below 100 ohms then the sensor is bad, but if it measures over 1-2K ohm then it's not the problem.
Inspect the connector for any broken wires or corrosion. Many times the connector is the problem. Otherwise the sensor may need to be replaced.
Inspect the connector for any broken wires or corrosion. Many times the connector is the problem. Otherwise the sensor may need to be replaced.
Last edited by JC in XTC5; Dec 26, 2006 at 12:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Port Arthur Texas
Temp Gauge
Thanks everyone, I picked up the new sender from the dealership, it cost about $23.00 it took about 25 minutes to change, swapped it out and so far so good. The old sender looked good, it was a little loose maybe that had some thing to do with the readings, but I swapped it any way. 
