Gauge electrical question

[DWBOX2000]

Sorry, not for my Box but for my Miata. Maybe someone of you electrical guys can help anyhow.

My coolant temperature gauge is not working. I know the continuity between the wire coming off the sensor to the gauge is ok, got the buzz from my meter. I have the gauge out. Is there some way to see if the gauge works. When I start the car, it doesn't move at all. Never moves. The oil pressure gauge next to it works ok and I believe they feed off the same ground.

Figured I would ask before I go and buy a part I might not need.

By the way, I am really starting to like the simplicity of the car. Easy to work on, parts are cheap and I don't worry about it.

Thanks.

[por356c]

Just a suggestion, but you might want to consult with a Miata forum, such as this one:https://forum.miata.net

I was a 96 Miata owner before I moved onto my 986. This Miata forum is excellent. Might be quicker to get an answer from fellow Miata guys. Good luck.

[DWBOX2000]

I tried over there. They don't have near the activity we have here. I figured it might be as easy as checking the continuity between the positive and negative going into the switch. Just a guess. Heck, I guess I will just try it. A used cluster panel is $55. Not exactly porsche pricing.

Thanks for responding.

[Keith Newby]

Typically, when testing an automotive instrument you ground the lead attached to the sending unit. If the needle moves the instrument is ok...then the fault lies with the sending unit.