Temp needle moves straight over to right when ignition on?!

[300CE]

Like a complete wally it seems i've managed to short the temp gauge circuitry somewhere whilst i was cleaning the connections on the 14 pin plug on the dash. Now when i turn the ignition on (not starting the van) the needle moves straight over to 'max' and the red light remains blinking.

Any ideas and advice much appreciated?! All the fuses are ok, but wondered whether i could have fried the relay (no 43)?

Cheers in advance, Justin.

[300CE]

Just thought i'd provide an update on this one - took out the No 43 relay today and opened it up and it looks as though this maybe the culprit (look how black it is around the contacts). It also had an 'electrical' smell to it as well:



I've managed to get another from eBay for a fiver so will give this a go and hopefully this will resolve the problem.

[300CE]

Well, replaced the No 43 relay today and all is hunky dory and the needle is back to normal operation - thank gord for that!