Rep Power: 0

2001 Honda Civic DX

My coolant temperature gauge after I shut the car off one day, and took the key out, stayed about 1 quarter of the way up. I hopped in the car the next day and the needle was in the same spot, so I started the car and as the car warmed up, the needle moved higher up, higher that it should be. When I shut the car off, it stayed about 3 quarters up. Needless to say the needle is now opposite of where it should be. But seems to function the way it should.

When I unplug the coolant temperature sensor, it throws a code, so I know that everything is working properly from the sensor to the ECM.

I disconnected the battery, and left it like that overnight, and when I re-connected the battery the gauge went back to where it was supposed to be, and worked fine for a day, then the same thing started happening again.

I figure that it is either the gauge itself, or something with the wires going from the ECM to the gauge. However according the the wiring schematic, its the same 3 wires that come from the ECM to the cluster that controls the whole cluster. They just send different signals the each gauge.

Is this a common problem, maybe something that has been re-called?

I"ll appreciate your input.

Chris

 
Rep Power: 811

interesting, it does sound like a gauge cluster issue, like a sticky needle. if the needle does not go back down when the car is turned off, its almost always the cluster thats to blame. try to grab a replacement cheap off ebay and throw it in. if it fixes the problem then good. make sure the new cluster has similar mileage to your car. if you have 2001 dx, now is a great chance to get an 01-02 lx cluster with tach. it plugs right in without any mods. coupe and sedan has different lighting at night so also be sure you get the correct style or the lights will be wrong.

 
Rep Power: 0

thanks! I'll look into getting an LX cluster. If they are already wired up, and ready for a tach, would the cruise control, already be wired up, if I just put the switches in?

Chris

 
Rep Power: 811

hmm im not sure about that. i dont think the car is prewired for cruise. the cluster may be (for the cruise light) but i dont know about the rest of the car. you need all the cables and actuators and maybe even a new throttle body i think.

 
Rep Power: 0

yeah that makes sense. Thanks for your help!

Chris