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Temperature Guage Stuffed?

Started by _Chris M_ , Nov 16 2008 06:34 PM

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#1 _Chris M_

_Chris M_
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Posted 16 November 2008 - 06:34 PM

I'm not feeling good about this, but just after confirmation that I'm NOT being stupid (please be nice)
In summary, temp guage on ute wasn't working, sender was open circuit.
Also, ute went in a couple of months ago to get LPG on, no worries, good job I thought.

Now, summer getting closer, I though better fix the temp gauge. So tried a few different resistors in place of the sender (20-200 ohm)for testing. No needle movement.
I have voltage to the sender, I get current through it.

Went chasing the wire that feeds the sender and found that the LPG guys had spliced the solenoid on the converter onto this wire. :wtf:

The solenoid is 3 ohms, so current draw is 4 Amps at 12 volt.
So, I guess I've had 4 amps through my gauge. I also guess that it's stuffed... :angry:

What I don't know is how I'm still getting 12V to the sender and the solenoid...
Anyway, the question is - there is no way that what they did is correct is there? I assume that they've just found a wire that is switched on in the On position on the ignition switch and used it.

I feel that the stuffed gauge is their problem, and also feel that they may disagree. Any comments?

#2 Dr Terry

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Posted 17 November 2008 - 02:12 PM

Hi Chris M

Check a few things first. What colour is the wire that they spliced into. Is is green, pink or some other colour.

I don't think that the gauge would supply enough current to an LPG solenoid which was wired in series with it.

Dr Terry.

#3 _Chris M_

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Posted 17 November 2008 - 06:47 PM

Thanks for your response Dr Terry

Check a few things first. What colour is the wire that they spliced into. Is is green, pink or some other colour.

Pink (and thin) on the three way connector.

I don't think that the gauge would supply enough current to an LPG solenoid which was wired in series with it.

Neither did I, also I would have expected that the gauge coil would burnt out, causing an open circuit.
Also can't find out what voltage should be feeding out to that sensor anyway.
Also double checked, and the wire they spliced in is the feed to the LPG/petrol selector/gauge unit.

Anyway, took ute to LPG joint this morning, had to chat to the guy at the counter who I found out later to be the boss, took the ute into the workshop, and they confirmed what I thought, and shifted the wire to another one on the main harness. They do 12 cars a week, but farm out 3 of them to a local auto sparky, who did the ute. So the upshot is, I deliver car to LPG joint tomorrow, then they deliver car to auto sparky who gets the delightful job of getting temp gauge fixed. I feel sorry for him, but not my fault...
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