new temp gauge, doesnt seem to work Options

[7391420]

I've posted this a few times, and after trying several methods it's still not working..

-new vdo temp gauge-with the numeric readout.

-It plugs right into the old plug but it's not reading anything after driving the car for a while

-the old gauge worked (so i know the wiring is good)

-I did at the time buy a new VDO temp sensor, do I need to install this to get the gauge to work? can I remove the old one and plug this one in? or do I need to fabricate a place to plug it in and wire it up?






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[914ghost]

If its a regular VDO based on resistance, you can unplug and ground the wire at the sender and if the gauge pegs then its probably ok.
Also, both your sender and your guage may be fine, but they may be calibrated so differently so as not compatible. Use the parts that came with / or are meant to be used together- even parts MATCHED to each other are commonly 10% to 60% off in reading.
Its the price we pay to pay less! = mass production.
Best thing:
Get a candy thermometer and boil some water (or HEAT up some cooking oil, it gets hotter than water)-
go out to your car with the hot water or oil in a pan and the thermometer in it.
Have your sender out but wired to guage AND its housing to ground.
Plop it in the water/oil and read your gauge compared to the candy thermometer...mentally note the diff. or mark your guage. Then you always know how hot you really are!!
Its the only way to be sure....
-Bob O