Hi

Not sure how it got there, as the Temperature needle rarely moves off N, but no warning lights, everything running as should be, but the needle is now right off the scale and jammed against the inside of the dial.

Any thoughts as to why and how? and also how to get it back off the side of the dial to see if it is now working normally!!!

many thanks

Paul

 

You will need to remove the instrument cluster. If the gauge is stuck with no power applied (you did not say if this was the case) you will have to dismantle the instrument cluster and remove the temperature gauge, be careful as they are fragile especially the pointer.

You will need to inspect the gauge to determine why it is stuck.

As for testing it this can be done on the bench if you have a 12volt power supply (or battery) a 0-1Kohm pot and a few bits of wire and alligator clips.

Here is mine on my bench being tested and modified.

 

Well the first and easiest thing to do is to make sure the temp sender is functioning correctly. It's the single wire sensor next to the two wire coolant temp sensor on the thermostat housing. You can check that the resistance is changing as the engine temps warm up with a voltmeter.

If no change is seen or it's open circuit, change the transmitter.

If all is well then you'll have to take off the binnacle (4 screws) disconnect the two plugs and then remove the back cover of the instrument pack. Flip the whole assembly over and then carefully lift off the front panel to access the gauges.

It's a straightforward but slightly fiddly job, just take car not to damage the circuit board.

 

FYI, you can shoehorn the instrument panel out with the steering wheel all the way back with a bit of swearing and patience, or you can take the steering wheel off (two screws and one big bolt) and it comes out much easier.

Heed Warrjon's advice...somehow I managed by a bit of carelessness to slightly bend the little orange pointer...it'll never look the same again :-(

Have fun with it,

John
1987 XJ-S V12
63,000 miles

 

If you do pull the wheel off there is a 2 piece collet behind the wheel after you have undone the nut put your hand under the wheel just in front of the telescopic adjuster as they will fall out.

 

You don't need to remove the steering wheel on a MY94, just drop it to it's lowest tilt position.

The instrument binnacle is a bit different from earlier cars, no barrel gauges to worry about It's a pretty simple job, just be careful not to damage the pcb.

 

Good point I missed the MY94