Coolant Temperature Gauge & Air Con Problems

[hatter1999]

Hi, I have just purchased a 1997 Galaxy 2.3 Ghia.

 

The problem is that the temperature gauge on the instrument console only moves very slightly upwards when the ignition is turned on but then doesn't move any more when the engine gets hot. The thermostat is working correctly as far as I can see.

 

I have replaced the original temp sensor with a new part, no difference. I also tried a different gauge, again no difference.

 

However when i run a lead from ground to pin 23 on the instrument cluster the gauge goes to the maximum. When I run a lead from pin 23 direct to the sensor (bypassing the loom) the gauge still doesn't move but the both fans on the radiators start to operate. If I only short the two leads at the sensor the gauge doesn't move. The ground lead at the sensor is fine.

 

The air con is also inoperative, it doesn't seem to be engaging the clutch but the compressor isn't seized. How can I check if it is the clutch mechanism?? or are the two problems interrelated??

 

I am at a total loss at what to do now :P

[Masked Marauder]

The sensor you talk of, where on the engine is it?

[hatter1999]

Hi, Its the sensor that screws into the back of the thermostat housing on the side of the engine.

[HJT]

The air con is also inoperative, it doesn't seem to be engaging the clutch but the compressor isn't seized. How can I check if it is the clutch mechanism?? or are the two problems interrelated??

 

I am at a total loss at what to do now :P

Could be the drive shaft has snapped. This is a common problem on Galaxy compressors.

 

Howard

[hatter1999]

Hi Howard, wouldn't the clutch and pully still turn if the clutch engaged but just not drive the compressor shaft and pump??

[Masked Marauder]

Yes it would. You should be able to hear the clutch click as it engages. Your first task should be to see if your getting 12v to the clutch connection on the compressor.

[Bigjeeze]

I should also check you have sufficient Gas in the Air Con - if there isn't then the solenoid won't click in because of the low pressure switch.

 

That happened to mine - the Receiver dryer disintegrated leaking away all of the gas - .

[hatter1999]

i have a pressure tester kit for the low pressure side, but where is the low pressure filler valve? I can find the high pressure one just accross the top of the radiator but not the low pressure side.

[Masked Marauder]

Behind the driver's side front indicator

[hatter1999]

thanks buddy, i thought i was going mad not being able to find it lol

[hatter1999]

any ideas on the temp guage problem at the head of this thread?? Still has me totally stumped

[charles]

have the same problem, but i has nothing to do with the a/c

I replaced the sensor and wiring with no effect.

Very few times the gauge comes up, but mostly not.

I suspect the instrument panel. Bad contacts could be the cause.

A new instrument panel is very expensive so I leave it as it is.

 

There is also a red light in the temperature gauge. it lights shortly when

the engine is started (check light)). It warns if the engine becomes overheated.

[hatter1999]

sounds just like mine today, for the 1st time the gauge actually moved to the Norm position, well for about 5 mins, then went back to the off position. After stopping off for some food and getting going again it didn't move until about 15mins into the journey when it went back to norm, again for about 5 mins then off again....seems weird though. Might be a bad connection that is only making when the instrument panel gets to a certain temperature??

[Guest vr6galaxy]

 

There is also a red light in the temperature gauge. it lights shortly when

the engine is started (check light)). It warns if the engine becomes overheated.

The red light serves two purposes one to warn of low coolant (flashing) the other to warn of overheating (on permenantly)