Ugh HELP -- temperature sending / sensor
 

Following a rad leak (and possible brief overheat lasting seconds only) ... my coolant temperature gauge went out -- suddenly stopped working and now does not work at all. Rad fans come on with a/c switch, not otherwise (fwiw, I needed to replace a bad radiator resistor to get the left side fan to work).

I have replaced the coolant temp sensor with no effect.

If its not the sensor what could it be? Help ... supposed to leave with this car on a trip in 1.5 days.

Sounds like you may have an air pocket in the system.............

I replaced a rad (with flush and bleed) .... But If there is some way to test / remedy please let me know???

Have you driven the car with the bleeder open. I changed my tank a week or so ago and have had the bleeder open since. I may close it soon. Good luck.

Would this cause total gauge failure???
Any way to confirm?
Any other possibilities other than sensor (already replaced)

If the air pocket is where the sensor is, yes........... You could also have a wiring problem, but that should be easy to test.

Best way to prevent air pockets is vacuum filling the system.

hmmm ... somebody (i.e. wrench, not me) did not clear the obd code (there was no cel, you needed to plug in to read it ... p0015 i think). fortunately i figured that out before spending a bunch more dough on a 2nd wrench. temp gauge is now working.

a relief, needless to say.

i've got the bleeder valve open now ... is there any risk to driving it with the bleed open? how long should I leave it open for (both in days and miles if there is a reason to close).

all seems to be fine now ... is there anything else i wanna do to test before leaving on a long road trip?

thanks for all the help.