1998 16v temp gauge not working

[BOILINGPOINT]

Now then, I'm running a mk3 valver and the temp gauge has never worked.

I have checked the sender unit, it's ok.
Tested the circuit by earth the wire to the head, no movement on gauge.
Tested continuity from sender to gauge, it's good.
Tested for power at the gauge, it's good.
Had my mate take a look as he is more of an electrician than me, he did the same thing I did and said he's run out of idea.
I have replaced the complete cluster but it is still not working.

Any ideas?

[Khare]

I would say faulty cluster yeah. But don't go dishing out on one just yet, might be a cheaper/easier solution.

[BOILINGPOINT]

Khare,

Thanks for the reply, perhaps you didn't read my post correctly or just missed it.
After doing all the testing I was under the impression the gauge itself was faulty, so I have already replaced the complete cluster with no change, still no temp gauge.
To add to it, I have noticed when the ignition is first turned on, the temp gauge needle moves a tiny bit as if it is powering up. It does this with the old and new cluster.

[Khare]

Ah yes my bad. No idea then, sorry 

[rubjonny]

if earthign the wire didnt change anything you have a wire or cluster fault. ruled out cluster as put in another, so that leaves wiring. check the brown/white wires to the head, make sure not snapped and connection is good. check out my fusebox faq in the mk2 section, covers the mk3 golf in there

[wrobstar21]

I had this kind of problem with a previous car of mine, not a golf though!

I checked everything and replaced the temp sensor with a brand new one but was still getting really low to no temp readings on the guage (didn't u say it moves a tiny bit?).

In the end it turned out that either the parts manufacturer had boxed the new sensor wrong or it was faulty. Anyway i got a new one (again, only a couple of quid) and fitted it and was all sorted.

It drove me nuts until i found out what it was! Just a thought!

[BOILINGPOINT]

Many thanks for the replies.

Just to clarify the situation.

1. The sender unit has been tested on another mk3 and is 100% working.
2. The wiring has continuity from spade connector (at sender end) to the gauge.
3. The gauge has got power.
4. The gauge works when i swap the cluster into another mk3.
5. When the ignition is first turned on the temp needle moves a tiny bit (less than 1mm).
6. If I earth the spade connector (at sender end) nothing happens to the gauge.

Any ideas?

[Wayne]

This is going to seem stupid but how hot is the engine getting.

[BOILINGPOINT]

Hi wayne.

The oil temp on the mfa has never gone over 104 even when pushed hard, it usually sit between 86 and 94 when driving normal. The cooling fan kicks in when the car has been stationary for some time and it never smells hot. The cooling system seems to be healthy and the heaters work spot on.

A mate of mine has a horrible, nasty, scabby, dirty mk3 cl tdi estate with well over 200k. Every time I go in his car I am jealous of his perfectly working temp gauge. This is not the emotion I want to feel while I own a mint (bar the temp gauge) R-reg valver.

[rubjonny]

temp makes no difference. if you earth the wire the gauge should shoot to max. check the earth wires