Just got my 2nd Fiero an 88 Formula. The temperature gauge does not work at all could it be a sender or something like that. Also the gas gauge does work but when full the needle is at the 3 o'clock position when it should be at the 5 o'clock position. Also when almost empty it is between 1/4 & 1/2. Any ideas.

Temp gauge....

I would bet on the temp. sending unit (screwed into the block right above the trunk-side exhaust manifold.....right below the coil). This looks like a little round plug that screws right into the engine block.....a 2 wire connector plugs into it (the connector usaully breaks because of engine heat over the years....so yours may not have a connector plugged in to it only 2 little wires)! This is what sends the engine coolant temp. to the gauge!

Gas gauge.....
No experience with this probelm!

Gas gauge:

See this link: Excellent article on fixing the "I'm outta gas already!?!?!" syndrome.

http://www.fieropride.com/tech/gas_guage.htm

By the way, I used this article as a first test of converting to a pdf file to use on a PDA.

quote Originally posted by steve1173: Just got my 2nd Fiero an 88 Formula. The temperature gauge does not work at all could it be a sender or something like that. Also the gas gauge does work but when full the needle is at the 3 o'clock position when it should be at the 5 o'clock position. Also when almost empty it is between 1/4 & 1/2. Any ideas.

Temp gauge is screwed in head. If you ground one side to block gauge will peg, ground other side and temp. idiot light will come on, if it does this sender is usually bad, if not wiring is bad:

..........Paul

Check the contacts on the back of the instrument cluster. Sometimes reseating the plugs will correct the problem.

[This message has been edited by 84Bill (edited 04-19-2005).]

To get to the plugs on the back of the instrument panel is it the same as replacing bulbs in the cluster or different. I was replacing a bulb which I know how to do from my 87 but did not see the plugs for the instruments there. Did I miss them.

quote Originally posted by steve1173: To get to the plugs on the back of the instrument panel is it the same as replacing bulbs in the cluster or different. I was replacing a bulb which I know how to do from my 87 but did not see the plugs for the instruments there. Did I miss them.

Take a paper clip and straighten it out, remove the temp sender connector, turn ignition to on, ground one side of connector to block and either the gauge will peg or the temp idiot light will come on, ground other side of connector. If the gauge pegs and the idiot light comes on then the wiring and gauges/lights are OK and the sender is the problem. If not then wiring, IP cluster wiring, temp gauge, or light is bad (idiot light)............Paul

quote Originally posted by zardoz: Gas gauge: See this link: Excellent article on fixing the "I'm outta gas already!?!?!" syndrome. http://www.fieropride.com/tech/gas_guage.htm

This is a great article, but it grossly underemphasizes how much of a pain it is to drop the fuel tank and remove the sender. Most people will just chose to fill the tank when it indicates 1/4