if i put a resistor on the 2-pin connector and it gives me a value on the temp gauge, is there still a possibility that there's a problem with my wiring?

could i use an ECM temp sensor as a sender for the gauge if i spliced on an ECM connector? they have the same temp/resistance curve so i think i possibly could.

I don't know what you mean by putting a resistor on the connector...Between which pins?
The temp gauge should show a value whenever the temp gauge wire is connected to ground through a resistor of the appropriate value.

Assuming the temp/resistance curves are the same, you could substitute a computer temp sensor if the threads are the same, but then you would lose the temp lamp function.

You cannot piggyback the gauge onto the computer's sensor.
The calibrations of the gauge and computer are dependent on their internal resistances being certain values.

Having the gauge and computer connected in parallel will make the computer and gauge read incorrectly.

If you've connected a resistor of some low value across the wiring for the guage sender and it makes the guage read a value, that would tend to indicate that the sender is bad and the wiring is good. New senders are inexpensive and commonly available. Theoretically you could use an ECM sender as the signal provider for your guage if, as you say, the temperature/resistance curves are the same. However, I would not expect it to last since the ECM sender is designed to handle very low currents and voltages whereas the proper guage sender is designed to handle 12v with higher currents to run the meter needle coils. Also, the factory guage sender contains the high temperature switch needed for the temperature warning light; the ECM sender doesn't contain this switch, so you'll lose the warning light function.

Go to rockauto.com and get some part numbers and then enter those at Amazon.com and see what you can find. Often times if you can put together an order for $25 you can get free shipping on small stuff like this.

JazzMan

No you can't use a CTS sender for the temp gauge, they have totally different resistance ranges and will not work for the gauge. If you connect a CTS to the gauge it will not read the correct temp. (not that it's that great anyway. )
Just look at 100* the gauge sender is 1365 the the cts is 1600. That is a big % difference. And like Jazz said the senders are not that expensive. It's even worse at 260. 55 compared to 75 is a difference of almost 50%. Not what you want on the hot end of the scale, that the engine is hotter than the gauge is saying.

Here is the temp range for the gauge sender.


This is for the CTS..

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[This message has been edited by Dodgerunner (edited 03-30-2009).]