Temp Gauge doing something wierd!

[youngm]

Hi all,

The temp gauge in my dad's '89 Camry is doing something wierd!

When it's first started, the gauge reads HOT, but as the engine warms up, the gauge needle comes down and starts to read the proper temperature. The motor isn't overheating or anything (how can it when it's started cold first thing in the morning).

I'm guessing it's the coolant temperature sender/sensor, or a dirty/bad connection.

Advice/suggestions?

Thanks

[Toyotech101]

I believe the coolant temp sensor has 2 wires, it is for the ecu to determine drivability patterns, the one you should check has the 1 wire, its for the gauge. unplug it and see what the gauge reads, ground it and check the gauge, be carefull not to break your wire, that old of a wire will not hold solder if you break and have to repair it.

[youngm]

Originally Posted by Toyotech101

I believe the coolant temp sensor has 2 wires, it is for the ecu to determine drivability patterns, the one you should check has the 1 wire, its for the gauge. unplug it and see what the gauge reads, ground it and check the gauge, be carefull not to break your wire, that old of a wire will not hold solder if you break and have to repair it.

Thanks a lot for your advice. Much appreciated.

I'll check out this one wire temp sender unit and do what you suggest. It's my dad's car. It runs fine and doesn't over-heat or anything, so it's definitely an electrical fault of some sort. I'm putting my money on the temp sender unit, or a bad/dirty connection around there. I'll pull it out and give it a good clean and re-test... if it's still doing the same thing, then I'll replace it. It can't be that expensive?!?