I have an 05 Dakota and there is an issue with the temp gauge that is really weird and I was wondering if anyone has seen this in their trucks before. So the temp gauge on my truck is always at half. If I'm sitting in the truck with the doors closed and the key out of the ignition then the gauge will go most of the way down but not fully. If i open the door or put the key in the ignition ( I don't even have to turn the key) then the gauge will go back to half. There have only been a hand full of time when I have got in my truck and the gauge has worked properly.

Thanks for the help.


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Have you removed the gauge and tested it?

If the truck isn't showing signs of overheating, it may just be a gauge issue.

 

Try a gauge sweep test. Hold the trip reset button down and turn the key to the on position (not starting the truck), then let go. The gauges should go through a test, starting at the low end, then 1/4, then 1/2, then full. Then it reverses down again. See if the gauge acts normal like the others.

 

I truer that. The temp gauge stays still while all the others run the test.

 

Well, if it's the gauge that's the problem, the easiest fix would be to get a used instrument cluster off Ebay and replace yours. I had mine out and it's pretty simple to swap out. You can swap out your plastic front, so don't be concerned if you get one with a scratched face.

Here one of the cheapest available right now.

Whole list.