1982 300CD No Temperature Reading Dash

[skeppa12]

Hello,

I am working through an issue with my temp readout on the dash.

Have attached a picture of the temp reading after the car has been running for about 10minutes. I am not getting any values above 40degC. I do see the needle move slightly after ignition but it does not move past this point.

What I have done so far:

1) Exchanged the temp sensor near the glow plugs on the block
2) Cleaned the ground points behind the dash
3) Connected an additional ground wire to the 2 nuts on the back of the instrument cluster

Any other ideas to get this fixed? I didn't test the wire from the sensor end to the dash (it is hard to follow).

[Shern]

Hmm... It may be a pain, but I would absolutely test continuity between the temp sensor and the plug on the back of the instrument cluster. Actually, it shouldn't be that difficult... probe on the temp sensor socket and probe on whatever pin it is in the dash plug. Try them all!

Your sender appears to be working though I suppose there's a very marginal chance it could be a bad fuse. At least on my car, the fuel sender and the temp sensor share the same fuse.

[skeppa12]

Originally Posted by Shern

Hmm... It may be a pain, but I would absolutely test continuity between the temp sensor and the plug on the back of the instrument cluster. Actually, it shouldn't be that difficult... probe on the temp sensor socket and probe on whatever pin it is in the dash plug. Try them all!

Your sender appears to be working though I suppose there's a very marginal chance it could be a bad fuse. At least on my car, the fuel sender and the temp sensor share the same fuse.

I'll change the fuse and will check for continuity between the temp sensor and the plug. It is the round plug with a bunch of pins on it correct?

[Shern]

Yup

[skeppa12]

Quick update.
Was not getting any continuity to the plug on the back of the instrument cluster.

Checked the wires in the engine bay going from the sensor towards the cabin and found that they were severed. Connected the wires back together and looks like all is well again.

Hope that helps someone in the future.