The temperature gauge on my 05 v6 Dakota reads in the middle regardless if the engine is cold or not. Every once in awhile though it does appear to work correctly. I changed the temp sensor but there was no change. Thinking it may be a loose ground. Where is the sensor ground location? Any other suggestions on where the issue is?

 

Before you do that, grab an OBDII reader that you can datalog with (hint: You can pick up ELM327 Bluetooth adapters for under $10 now, and Torque Free is, well, free ...) and see what the ECU is seeing for engine temps.

That'll let you know if it's between the motor and the ECU, or the ECU and the instrument cluster needle *grins* I'm going to bet a sticking stepper motor myself, but that's not a lead pipe cinch since I'm not there.

RwP

 

Does a sticking stepper motor mean a new gauge replacement? Also what is a ELMS327 blue tooth adapter and what do you refer to by Torque Free?? Is that a App?

 

A stepper motor replacement, at least, in the gauge.

The ELM327 is a Bluetooth / OBDII adapter, such as this one: http://www.banggood.com/ELM327-V1_5-...d-p-75121.html

Torque Lite is an Android app for Android devices with bluetooth capability, that handles the display. Lite is the free version, Pro is the paid version. https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...rquefree&hl=en

RwP

 

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a good thing to have.

 

Per the 2005 wiring diagram, the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor and other engine sensors don't use a conventional ground, but a "sensor ground" lead back to the Powertrain Control Module.