Technical Engine Temperature Gauge not working

[dgg]

The engine temperature gauge on the dashboard is no longer reading - it does not move from the horizontal position. Its a 2009 Fiat Ducato campervan, 100 JTD 2.2L Ford Puma engine.

No warning lights on.

The problem has been investigated by a mechanic. The problem is the gauge itself in the instrument cluster. No fault codes detected.

My question, which the mechanic could not answer, is if the gauge is not working will the red warning light come on if the engine overheats?

If the answer is yes I can manage without the actual gauge.

The red light itself works as it comes on briefly when the ignition is turned on. Whether it would come on if the engine was overheating is unknown.

The mechanic is unable to change the gauge. From a quick search online it appears that there are two options. (1) purchase a used instrument cluster or (2) take the instrument cluster out and send it away for repair.

Suggestions and ideas appreciated - thanks.

 

[lycopersicum]

Would this be any help?

Ducato X250 Sticky Needle Repair

How to repair stuck dashboard instruments

www.fiatforum.com

 

[Jockstrap]

The mechanic identified a faulty gauge. Dafty here but on what basis?

Why not replace the sensor? DIY and cheap.

Knowing nothing, but with the engine hot does the fan activate? If not to me it's the sensor.

Tuppence worth .

 

[dgg]

The mechanic identified a faulty gauge. Dafty here but on what basis?

Why not replace the sensor? DIY and cheap.

Knowing nothing, but with the engine hot does the fan activate? If not to me it's the sensor.

Tuppence worth .

I understand that if the sensor was faulty this would show up as a fault code, which it did not. Also a faulty sensor would most likely cause problems with the engine not running smoothly. The mechanic applied a signal to the gauge and it did not move. Hence the conclusion that the gauge itself is faulty.

 

[Communicator]

As already hinted by @lycopersicum , the problem is probably due to a sticking stepper motor.

I note that an identical problem was posted on the Wild Camping forum on 9th May, and remains unresolved.

 

[jackwhoo]

Not a direct yes or no answer but
If the temperature sensor reports to the engine ecu then the engine ecu "drives" the temperature needle and separately the over heat light , then if needle stuck yes the overheat light will still function.

The other thing you will notice if overheats is a strong smell caused by boiling coolant it's very distinctive and will give time to take action to stop .

A test can be carried out by grounding the temp sensor wire and seeing if overheat light illuminates. Smacking the dash board at this time may shock the needle into working.

Otherwise send dash off for testing/repair

 

[jackwhoo]

Another clue but not a fact is often with vehicles of your age and newer if coolant temperature sensor open circuit the engine ecu turns rad fans on
Points toward dash fault.

 

[jackwhoo]

If it was my vehicle with no history of overheating it wouldn't stop me using it for a trip but I would want it fixed when possible.
I'm one of those strange people who check their instruments during a journey.

 

[Jockstrap]

The OP photo is 29 March.

Ignoring the option request, has a reset been attempted and/or removal and reconnection of the cluster?

 

[dgg]

Fixed, with thanks to the - guide on stuck instrument needles: https://www.fiatforum.com/guides/ducato-x250-sticky-needle-repair.978/

After disassembling the instrument cluster I touched the needle with a soft brush - it would not move. A very gentle touch with a screwdriver and it came unstuck. All tested and working as it should.

Thank you to all the responsive and helpful folk on this forum.

 

[Communicator]

Fixed, with thanks to the - guide on stuck instrument needles: https://www.fiatforum.com/guides/ducato-x250-sticky-needle-repair.978/

After disassembling the instrument cluster I touched the needle with a soft brush - it would not move. A very gentle touch with a screwdriver and it came unstuck. All tested and working as it should.

Thank you to all the responsive and helpful folk on this forum.

@Anthony489 ***** (Guide author.)