since i got the car the gauge has never worked, how can i fix this? does it not work because the thermostat is out?

where does the gauge connect? the radiator?

You need to tell us what kind of car you have (Duke or V6).

The gauge connector is just below the distributor on the V6. IT has 2 wires running from the sensor, one for the gauge and one for the warning light. Both of my Fiero GT's had the connector to the gauge sensor completely destroyed due to engine heat. If you remove the connector with the ignition on you can ground each pin one at a time, one will cause the gauge to peg and the other will turn on the warning light on the dash.

Same behavior on the 4 cyl, I just don't remember exactly where it is on that engine.

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Bob
2 - 87 GT's
85 SE 4 cyl

You probably have a bad sending unit, but I'm not sure where it is on the 2.8. Not hard to change and pretty cheap.

i have a 2.8l v6, so its near the rotor cap then? could u tell me what color they should be and what side of the distributer it should be on?

I have the same problem on my 84. replaced thermostat, temperature gauge, then i bought a backlit cluster and it still doesn't work. It used to work about a year ago and then once it worked for about 10 minutes and then hasn't worked since. What all should i check, what needs to be replaced. and where is whatever needs to be replaced at? on a 2.5L
LoL...thanks!

Alex..

To check to see if the gauge is working, just disconnect the connector (will have 2 wires) from the sensor and ground each pin in the connector one at a time with the ignition on. 1 will cause the gauge to peg full scale, the other will turn on the warning light.

If these work, then the problem is most likely the sending unit, if not, you will need to checking wiring or the gauge itself.

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Bob
2 - 87 GT's
85 SE 4 cyl

Remember if you do replace the sending unit don't put teflon tape on the threads. it will not work right if you do.

Same problem with my 85 GT 2.8. The connector was fried. I cut the wires out of the melted connector. Put in a new sending unit (no teflon tape) and just stuck the individal lugs into the catches on the unit.
Works great(Fiero Store has new connectors).
My sending unit was on the passenger side by the water inlet.