Ugh HELP -- temperature sending / sensor

[clueless1]

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.

[JFP in PA]

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

[clueless1]

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

[JAAY]

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.

[clueless1]

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

[JFP in PA]

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.

[clueless1]

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.