How to resolve dodgy temp gauge?
Discussion
Allow me to pick your brains my PH brethren!
My trusty Accord through up a rather strange fault the other month. When driving along in heavy traffic, the gauge would occasionally ramp up to to bumpstop indicating the car is overheating, and would then drop back to 1/3rd as normal, or it would sometimes fluctuate between hot and cold. Most the time it would operate as normal.
Now naturally, any idiot can tell there is no way the car was actually overheating as the engine would not be able to change temparature so fast, so I started checking simple stuff, like air locks, sensors etc. Everything checked out fine, but on a test drive the gauge started acting up again. Out of frustration I smacked the dash, which to my surprise caused the gauge to operate normally. Therefore it has been determined the gauge itself is at fault, or more specifically the resistor. Honda want 2850 euro for new clocks, programming, and fitting (Yes I laughed at there offer too) where as a local Auto Electrician wants 700 euro just to fit a new resistor, let alone do the fitting. I have therefore decided to fix this issue myself, but was curious of any ideas you may have.
The clocks are easy to remove but are tough to split as they are sealed. While do-able, I wondered whether it would be preferable to just fit an aftermarket gauge, or should I just bite the bullet and strip the clocks?
Any other ideas would be appreciated!
Nathan
p.s, I would like to clarify that the car is in A1 condition and that it is definetely the clocks at fault.
My trusty Accord through up a rather strange fault the other month. When driving along in heavy traffic, the gauge would occasionally ramp up to to bumpstop indicating the car is overheating, and would then drop back to 1/3rd as normal, or it would sometimes fluctuate between hot and cold. Most the time it would operate as normal.
Now naturally, any idiot can tell there is no way the car was actually overheating as the engine would not be able to change temparature so fast, so I started checking simple stuff, like air locks, sensors etc. Everything checked out fine, but on a test drive the gauge started acting up again. Out of frustration I smacked the dash, which to my surprise caused the gauge to operate normally. Therefore it has been determined the gauge itself is at fault, or more specifically the resistor. Honda want 2850 euro for new clocks, programming, and fitting (Yes I laughed at there offer too) where as a local Auto Electrician wants 700 euro just to fit a new resistor, let alone do the fitting. I have therefore decided to fix this issue myself, but was curious of any ideas you may have.
The clocks are easy to remove but are tough to split as they are sealed. While do-able, I wondered whether it would be preferable to just fit an aftermarket gauge, or should I just bite the bullet and strip the clocks?
Any other ideas would be appreciated!
Nathan
p.s, I would like to clarify that the car is in A1 condition and that it is definetely the clocks at fault.
NateWM said:
....I would like to clarify ......... that it is definetely the clocks at fault.
Not sure I agree with you there.A short circuit or open circuit in the wiring (probably on the back of the dash) could also be your problem. This may even be a dry joint on the dash circuit board.
Steve
Steve_D said:
Not sure I agree with you there.
A short circuit or open circuit in the wiring (probably on the back of the dash) could also be your problem. This may even be a dry joint on the dash circuit board.
Steve
Thanks but the wiring is fine. It's definetely the clocks, and its a common issue on Hondas of this era, especially Accords.A short circuit or open circuit in the wiring (probably on the back of the dash) could also be your problem. This may even be a dry joint on the dash circuit board.
Steve
If it was a short circuit, would it do it constantly especially when on the move?
Gassing Station | Engines & Drivetrain | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff