How do I check if a temp sensor is functioning?

background...I've swapped in 3 different temp gauges and none register any temp readings. How do I test the sensor on top of the t-stat to see if it is working?

I have a multi meter but I must say I am not handy with it.

it SHOULD peg out if you ground the wire to the block.
You may have a bad power wire.
~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)

OK here is what I did today. I took a length of wire with an alligator clip on each end. Popped off the wire going to the sensor about mid block on drivers side by the injector lines, clipped one end of the wire into the barrel end attachment and touched the other end to the block while the engine was running. I had someone in the car eyeballing the temp gauage and it fluctuated wildly up and down and sometimes pegged up solid. We switched places and I also eyeballed it while they did the wire end of the experiment.

Does this say that the sensor is bad? Or if not the sensor, then what?

Approx. how much are the sensors?

I replaced the sensor ($12) and all is well

I thought the temp sensor was on the side of engine under first or second injector, but you said something about it being on top of therm. housing. Have I had this wrong, and if so what do I have it confused with?

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Jimmy L.
'05 Acura TL 6MT
2001 ML430 My Spare

Gone:
'95 E300 188K "Batmobile" Texas Unfriendly Black
'85 300TD 235K "The Wagon" Texas Friendly White
'80 240D 154K "China" Scar engine installed
'81 300TD 240K "Smash"
'80 240D 230K "The Squash"
'81 240D 293K"Scar" Rear ended harder than Elton John

Sorry for the confusion. The t-stat sensor was the wrong one. The one I was after was indeed "on the side of engine under first or second injector".