2007 Torrent Temp Gauge Problems

[Gary Ducker]

HI
New to the forum and NA vehicles having just moved to Canada.
My problem started a few months ago when the temp gauge needle started moving around the gauge and having a different start point from cold. So much so it start reading overheating when the engine was stone cold !
So to start with a replaced the thermostat and disconnected the battery and it seemed to work OK. Few days later it started again. So this time i replaced the engine temp sensor. After changing it its worked fine for about a month and then today its started playing up again. So much so its move round 270 deg !!!!
At a loss what to do ! Thinking about fitting a aftermarket stand alone temp gauge as i have heard the instrument cluster is lots of $$$$$ to fix !

I thank you in advance for your help.

Gary

 

[EaOutlaw]

The temperature sending unit on your vehicle controls more than the temperature gauge.

You need to repair it yourself or pay someone to diagnose it for you.

You should confirm that the engine is completely full of coolant, bled of all air.

The cooling system needs to be pressure tested to ensure there is no leaks, including the pressure cap.

Once this is done you need to connect a scan tool that gives you a live data read out and compare the temperature gauge reading to the the reading found in the scanner.

If both are incorrect you still have a problem with the new temperature sending unit. ( possibly installed incorrectly with Teflon tape ). or a bad wiring connection at the sensor or somewhere in the harness. possibly a defective new sensor as well could be the problem.

If only the dash temperature sending unit is not reading correctly you may need to have the computer flashed if the dealer has a TSB ( technical service bulletin ) related to the temperature gauge.

If there is no TSB someone will have to diagnose the temperature gauge problem since it is intermittent.

Here is a picture of the sensor on the bottom of the flange you will a brass crush washer this is how this sensor seals to the engine and maintains a ground to the engine for it to work properly. the coating on the threads is just there to prevent damaging the threads on the sensor or the engine.

If Teflon tape is applied to the threads it could crack the head and or not allow the sensor to fully seat to the engine loosing good contact to the engine robbing it of the ground it needs to operate properly.

 

[Gary Ducker]

Great info EaOutlaw thank you very much !

Out of interest have you any information about the scan tool you mentioned please ?

Again thank you your help.

 

[EaOutlaw]

Since you are not going into the automotive repairs for a living, I suggest buying one that meet your budget and needs, just make sure it has live data.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...s=aps&field-keywords=scan+tool+with+live+data

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[Gary Ducker]

Dear EaOutlaw

Thanks for all you advise and also to let you know everything is working fine now.

1/ Coolent flush
2/ Sensor check
3/ System filled checking the bleed valve so there is no trapped air.

Thanks again and onto my next problem of the truck opening switch has stopped working.

Cheers

Gary

 

[EaOutlaw]

your welcome, did you have air trapped in the system?

I am glad it is working well now.