Hi Folks,
Hope you can provide some insights. 69 Camaro RS 4 spd with console gauges. The water temp gauge will not come off cold regardless of engine temperature. When the sending unit wire disconnected and ignition on the gauge goes to full cold. With the sending unit grounded to battery and ignition on it goes to full hot. This leads me to presume the gauge is ok and the wiring is properly hooked up. I've cleaned all connections, confirmed ground, replaced sending unit, confirmed resistor on back of gauge is 85 ohms. Resistance on the sending unit drops as engine temperature increases. Here is the kicker - with the engine running and warm the gauge is at full cold - turn off the engine and ignition off and the gauge will begin creeping up. Turn the ignition back on and it goes to full cold. It makes me think I've got a short in the system somewhere and I'm getting battery voltage even with the key off. I am not an electrician and have no idea if that makes sense. I would think if I have a positive short things would melt or pop fuzes... but there is no way an electric gauge can move without electricity. I'd appreciate any thoughts or suggestions you folks may have
thanks
Mike