Q: Temperature gauge not working?

asked by on August 17, 2016

I have a 98 Honda Civic DX I just replaced the fan switch, thermostat, and connecting pipe. My temp gauge is going crazy it shoots ip to hot but my car doesn't seem to be leaking or overheating any suggestions?

My car has 180000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Electric Problems Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

You would need to check the temperature sender unit to see if it got coolant in the connector or wire got shorted somehow. Disconnect the sensor and see if the gauge acts differently. If it does then replace the sensor and recheck the system. If you need help having this looked at, a certified pro from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to inspect the electrical circuit related to your temperature gauge and can guide you with the correct repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What Causes Engine Hoses to Leak?
Hose leaks (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-causes-hoses-to-leak) are caused by a variety of issues. The first of these issues is, of course, normal aging. As the hose material ages, it becomes weaker. The hose has been subjected to innumerable thermal cycles (heat up and...
How do I use the coat hooks?
You’ll find coat hooks available above the doors in the back (second row seating). These provide you with a way to hang light items (like clothing) to keep them out of the seats, and to prevent wrinkles or damage. Using...
How do I control the fuel efficiency backlight?
You can choose to have your fuel efficiency reading be backlit. To control whether or not it is backlit, follow these steps: 1. Turn the ignition to On, while making sure the vehicle is completely stopped. 2. Press the Menu...
How do I view the average fuel?
The average fuel displays the average fuel economy that your vehicle has received since the last feature reset. To view this feature, follow these simple steps: 1. Press the Up/Down buttons until Trip 1 or 2 is displayed on the...
Bearing going bad.
Hi. It is possible that either a wheel bearing is going out or possibly the growling noise you are experiencing is tire wear, generally a chopping or cupping wear on the inner or outer edge of one or more tires....
My spider gears in the rear end keep busting. Chunk isn't harmed. What is the problem?
Hello there, thanks for writing in. The spider gears are only used when you are turning left or right, unless you have two differently-sized tires on the same axle, in which then the spider gears will turn all the time....
Rough to no acceleration and misfire
It is possible that one or more of your spark plugs or ignition coils have failed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement). The spark plugs and the ignition coils make up the ignition system and this system is responsible for burning the fuel. If the...
My car alarm keeps setting off in the middle of the night would like to know which amp fuse can be removed
Hi, thanks for writing in. First of all, the alarm shouldn't be going off by itself in the middle of the night. If it is, there is something wrong with the system. The burglar alarm module receives inputs from various...
What motor oil can I use for 2008 C300 4matic
Your vehicle can use full synthetic 0w30, 5w30, 0w40, 5w40 MB approved only is recommended. You will see on the bottles MB approved.

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Honda Pilot
If If you’re in the market for a larger SUV, you might think that you have to resign yourself to a gas-guzzling monster like a Suburban or a Chevy Tahoe, but that’s really not the case. With the 2012 Honda...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in a City
Living Living and driving in the city means you’re faced with parking constraints, narrow streets, and the constant stop and go of traffic. With all of that said when you’re ready to purchase a used vehicle these are all things...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're Over 50
Shopping Shopping for a car when you’re over the age of 50 begins to shift a bit, as your priorities tend to change. Suddenly it’s not so much about what the vehicle looks like, or how much space it has...