Temperature guage calibration

[StuM]

Hi all,

Bit of a funny one this...

The temperature guage needle on my 1.9 DG 1985 van sits out of sight, way to the left when ignition off or engine first started - so far left that you can't see it! Once it warms up, the needle moves right until it nearly enters the larger white line on the left of the guage. So, it seems to function, but is calibrated wrongly.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks,
Stu

[Doctor Foster]

Could be the sender?? Is it a new one? Maybe its the wrong one fitted. I have heards of that being the case before. Just a thought.

The temp needle on ours sits just past the halfway mark but takes at least 10 mins to reach that positon upon start up.

[StuM]

Thanks - I figured that the sender was ok if the needle was moving, but you're right, worth checking - it isn't a new one. I'll have a poke around tomorrow - lots of van related poking taking place tomorrow!

[Doctor Foster]

Thanks - I figured that the sender was ok if the needle was moving, but you're right, worth checking - it isn't a new one. I'll have a poke around tomorrow - lots of van related poking taking place tomorrow!

Oo er!!

[StuM]

Hi Folks,

So, I unplugged the sender and put it to earth. The guage needle moves steadily up to just past half then stops. I'd have thought it'd go up to the top?

It seems like the needle is in the wrong position, can it be adjusted?

Thanks,
Stu

[StuM]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me please... where does the needle on your temperature gauge sit with ignition on, but engine not started?

Thanks,
Stu

[Doctor Foster]

Hi,

Can anyone tell me please... where does the needle on your temperature gauge sit with ignition on, but engine not started?

Thanks,
Stu

I dont think mine moves until engine is running. It does not become visible until the engine starts to warm up.

Hope that helps?

[AngeloEvs]

The guages do not normally lose calibration and usually any problems is due to a fault in the wiring, voltage Stabiliser output voltage low, Multi connector poor contact, faulty sender, etc, and I would check these possibilities first.

The temp gauge needle can be removed and the gauge calibrated by adjusting the hinging spring that hold the needle in place but this takes great care and precision. However, before making any attempt to alter the factory setting you would need to perform calibration checks using a 100 ohm resistor placed across the gauge output to chassis (0v) then repeat with a 47 ohm. The 100 ohm should see the needle swing to left of the coolant LED and the 47ohm should take the needle to the right (4/5ths of the way) and immedialtely trigger the coolant led. The VAG tolerance for these tests is + or - one needle width.

[StuM]

Thanks very much both, much appreciated. I'll have a look around the wiring/plugs etc and dig out some resistors to test.

Thanks,
Stu