My coolant temperature gauge only works properly part of the time. Sometimes it doesn't move at all, and then other times it works fine. I want to change the sensor but don't know where it is located or what is involved in changing it. Appreciate any comments.

 

Follow the top hose from the radiator to the engine. The sensor is to the right of it about 3 inches higher and it has a red coloring. A 2 wire harness connects to it. very easy to reach. You may want to do a "self test" on the cluster first.

SELF TEST

The instrument cluster self test will put the instrument cluster into its self-diagnostic mode. In this mode the instrument cluster can perform a self-diagnostic test that will confirm that the instrument cluster circuitry, the gauges, and the indicators are capable of operating as designed. During the self test the instrument cluster circuitry will position each of the gauge needles at various calibration points, illuminate all of the segments or portions in the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) unit, and turn all of the indicators ON and OFF again.
Successful completion of the self test will confirm that the instrument cluster is operational. However, there may still be a problem with the CAN data bus, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), the Transmission Control Module (TCM), the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), the Controller Anti-lock Brake (CAB), the Wireless Ignition Node (WIN) or the hardwired inputs to one of these electronic control modules. Use a diagnostic scan tool to diagnose these components. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.
1. Begin the test with the ignition switch in the OFF position. 2. Depress the odometer/trip odometer switch button. 3. While still holding the odometer/trip odometer switch button depressed, turn the ignition switch to the ON position, but do not start the engine. 4. Release the odometer/trip odometer switch button. 5. The instrument cluster will simultaneously begin to illuminate all of the operational segments in the LCD unit and perform a bulb check of each operational Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicator. The LCD segments and LED indicators remain illuminated as each gauge needle is swept to several calibration points and back. If a VFD segment or an LED indicator fails to illuminate, or if a gauge needle fails to sweep through the calibration points and back during this test, the instrument cluster must be replaced. 6. The self test is now completed. The instrument cluster will automatically exit the self-diagnostic mode and return to normal operation at the completion of the test. The self test will be aborted if the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position, or if a vehicle speed message indicating that the vehicle is moving is received from the PCM over the CAN data bus during the test. 7. Go back to Step #1 to repeat the test, if necessary.

 

Pedro Dog, thanks for the information--exactly what I was looking for.

 

Awesome info Pedro...!!!! I had forgotten about this particular test. Thank Youuuuu...!!!!!

 

BullyT,

I noticed that you were satisfied with Pedro's response, I was just wondering the outcome. Were you able to test the vehicle and locate the sensor?

This is not an issue I'm aware of with the gauge only working part of the time, however if there is any further assistance or inquires you have feel free to PM me! I'd be to happy to review this for you.

 

DodgeCACares, thank you for following up on this. I'm always impressed to see follow up on a public forum by Dodge personnel.

I actually just picked up a new sensor at my local dealer today, and hope to install it tonight. The part was only $8 and it doesn't look difficult to swap out so I'll see if that corrects the problem. If not, I will PM you. Thanks again!