Instructions are not clear on how to install temperature gauge

Check your coolant level, if it's too low it won't come in to contact with the temperature sensor.

I would check the temperature sender and the wiring. Make certain that the gauge is good.

Has CHT - cylinder head temp. sensor . This sensor is a input to the PCM - engine computer . The PCM sends engine temp info on serial data network to the instrument cluster . I/C has a microprocessor inside . Have it check for DTC'S - diagnostic trouble codes . Not OBD2 codes , B - body codes . The gauge could be the problem , which means replacing the instrument cluster .
Engine coolant temperature information is received by the instrument cluster from the PCM over the SCP network. Temperatures over 121°C (275°F) will display hot (H). If the engine coolant temperature data is missing or invalid for five seconds, the instrument cluster will move the engine coolant temperature gauge below the cold (C) position.
The best way to diagnose this is with a scan tool , factory or a professional type . Know how the system works and not replacing parts is the proper way to diagnose .
U1073 D073 SCP (J1850) Invalid or Missing Data for Engine Coolant PCM CARRY OUT the PCM self-test.

• A single gauge does not return to zero with the ignition switch off

• Instrument cluster.

• INSTALL a new instrument cluster; REFER to Instrument Cluster . TEST the system for normal operation.

• Incorrect temperature gauge indication

• Circuitry.
• Instrument cluster.
• PCM.
• Engine coolant temperature sensor.

• GO to Pinpoint Test F .

I should also point out that if the temp sensor were bad the vehicle may not run right .
Using the factory scan tool
Trigger instrument cluster active command ENGCOOLNT. Monitor the engine coolant temperature gauge while adjusting the ENGCOOLNT active command to read 50% and 100%.

• Does the temperature gauge start at cold, move to half at 50%, and full hot at 100%?

Yes REFER to the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) manual.

No INSTALL a new instrument cluster; REFER to Instrument Cluster . REPAIR the circuit. CLEAR the DTCs. REPEAT the self-test.
Your best bet , take it to a qualified repair shop !

if the car is still over heating then check the fan and see if the fan is kicking in.

Also most of the new cars after replacing the thermostat, you need to clear the fault with a computer as they get stored on the system and will not clear from dash. Even though you have replaced several parts and everything is working fine. system will need to cleared.

Remove the temperature sending unit in the head that a wire is connected to and replace it with the first screw in adaptor, then put the gauge cable to that adaptor. You could also place a T-fitting here to reconnect the sensor in dash. That way you have both.

If all voltages checked ok,then most probably its faulty instrument cluster board on which gauges are connected.Yes if cluster circuit board looks ok,then also it can be faulty.Somewhere there is minute short or burn on board then such prolem arises.
Also check the fuse box.One under hood and other under dash.Inspect each and every fuse and see if all are fine or not.
---------------For more troubleshooting on these cluster gauges i suggest you to refer the list of help links mentioned below.Its step by step instructions will help you to confirm the exact cause of problem in these conditions:---------
Click the link below:------

2004 Toyota Tundra: Oil Gauge and Temp Gauge Not Working?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2004-toyota-tundra-oil-gauge-and-temp.html

--------------

2005 Lexus SC430: Fuel Door, Dome light and Fuel Gauge Fuse Location?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2005-lexus-sc430-fuel-door-will-not.html
----------

Toyota 4Runner: Temperature Gauge Sensor

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/toyota-4runner-temperature-gauge-sensor.html
------------

Temperature gauge sits over half way mark?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/temperature-gauge-sits-over-half-way.html

---------------

Heater blows intermittently and temp gauge goes erratic?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/heater-blows-intermittently-and-temp.html

----------

Temperature gauge does not move and no heat when heater is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-does-not-move-and-no.html

-----------

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix: Erratic Fuel Gauge?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2003-pontiac-grand-prix-erratic-fuel.html

-----------

Temperature gauge keeps fluctuating up and down close to red?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-keeps-fluctuating-up.html

-------------

Temperature gauge on the dash quit working on Pontiac Grand Prix?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-on-dash-quit-working.html

---------------

Fuel gauge jumps from empty to full?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/fuel-gauge-jumps-from-empty-to-full.html

--------------

Gas gauge stuck on empty on 2002 Mercedes Benz 240c?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/gas-gauge-stuck-on-empty-on-2002.html
---------------

• Oldsmobile Temperature Gauge Lamp Switch?

-----------------

Fuel gauge drops to Empty?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/fuel-gauge-drops-to-empty.html

----------------

Dodge neon gauges not working?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-gauges-not-working.html

------------

Temperature gauge went up?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/temperature-gauge-went-up.html

------------

Temperature gauge stays At cold on jaguar?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/temperature-gauge-stays-at-cold-on.html
-----------

How to replace Instrument panel and dashboard on Toyota car?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-instrument-panel-and.html

-----------

How to remove instrument panel on Chevrolet car?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-remove-instrument-panel-on.html

-----------

How to remove control panel on Buick regal?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-remove-control-panel-on-buick.html
---------------
These details will help.Thanks.

If all voltages checked ok, then most probably its faulty instrument cluster board on which gauges are connected. Yes if cluster circuit board looks ok, then also it can be faulty. Somewhere there is minute short or burn on board then such problem arises.

Also check the fuse box. One under hood and other under dash.

Inspect each and every fuse and see if all are fine or not.

---------------

For more troubleshooting on these cluster gauges I suggest you to refer the list of help links mentioned below. Its step by step instructions will help you to confirm the exact cause of problem in these conditions: ---------

Click the link below: ------

2004 Toyota Tundra: Oil Gauge and Temp Gauge Not Working?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2004-toyota-tundra-oil-gauge-and-temp.html

--------------

2005 Lexus SC430: Fuel Door, Dome light and Fuel Gauge Fuse Location?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2005-lexus-sc430-fuel-door-will-not.html

----------

Toyota 4Runner: Temperature Gauge Sensor

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/toyota-4runner-temperature-gauge-sensor.html

------------

Temperature gauge sits over half way mark?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/temperature-gauge-sits-over-half-way.html

---------------

Heater blows intermittently and temp gauge goes erratic?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/heater-blows-intermittently-and-temp.html

----------

Temperature gauge does not move and no heat when heater is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-does-not-move-and-no.html

-----------

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix: Erratic Fuel Gauge?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2003-pontiac-grand-prix-erratic-fuel.html

-----------

Temperature gauge keeps fluctuating up and down close to red?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-keeps-fluctuating-up.html

-------------

Temperature gauge on the dash quit working on Pontiac Grand Prix?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-on-dash-quit-working.html

---------------

Fuel gauge jumps from empty to full?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/fuel-gauge-jumps-from-empty-to-full.html

--------------

Gas gauge stuck on empty on 2002 Mercedes Benz 240c?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/gas-gauge-stuck-on-empty-on-2002.html

---------------

• Oldsmobile Temperature Gauge Lamp Switch?

-----------------

Fuel gauge drops to Empty?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/fuel-gauge-drops-to-empty.html

----------------

Dodge neon gauges not working?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-gauges-not-working.html

------------

Temperature gauge went up?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/temperature-gauge-went-up.html

------------

Temperature gauge stays At cold on jaguar?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/temperature-gauge-stays-at-cold-on.html

-----------

How to replace Instrument panel and dashboard on Toyota car?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-instrument-panel-and.html

-----------

How to remove instrument panel on Chevrolet car?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-remove-instrument-panel-on.html

-----------

How to remove control panel on Buick regal?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-remove-control-panel-on-buick.html

---------------

These details will help.

Thanks.

if the temperature gauge never moves its probably just the coolant temperature sender. Replace that. but i honestly recommend buying a new temperature gauge with more accurate readings. they arent very pricey and they are easy to install

Suspect it is the blend door actuator, but please see my tip at http://www.fixya.com/cars/r6235876-no_heat_fan_blowing_cold_air . These are generic instructions. If you get stuck or need specific instructions for your car, please get back to me with model, year and engine info. Below are instructions for replacing the blend door actuator, but don't replace it unless you're sure it's bad. Autozone has it for $36. First, take it out, plug the connector back in and see if it turns when you change the temperature control. If not, the problem can be in the controller or the actuator. If it is clicking, the problem is stripped gears. If it isn't doing anything, you can check for voltage at the connector with a voltmeter. Connect the black meter lead to a good ground point and probe the connector terminals with the red lead while changing the temperature setting.

Blend door actuator removal and installation:

Remove the fuse labeled HVAC CTRL (BATT).

Remove the left closeout panel.

Remove the knee bolster.

Remove the air temperature actuator screws.

Remove the air temperature actuator.

Remove the air temperature actuator wire harness connector.

Fig. Air temperature actuator removal
To install:

1. Install the air temperature actuator wire harness connector.
2. Install the air temperature actuator and tighten the mounting screws to 13 inch. lbs. (1.5 Nm).
3. Install the knee bolster
4. Install the left closeout panel.
5. Install the fuse labeled HVAC CTRL (BATT).

Sounds like you have installed a 'over-temperature switch' type sender unit- this type of sensor is only meant to control an over-temperature alarm indicator lamp that is either 'on' or 'off'.

The temperature gauge requires a 'variable resistance type' temperarure sensor to control the meter deflection.
When cold the temperature sensor is of high resistance, hence less meter deflection;
when hot temperature sensor is of low resistance, hence more meter deflection.

You need to procure a matching sensor to suit the type of gauge installed.

Is it possible you have connected to the temperature wrong temperature sensor? - most vehicles are fitted with both a gauge type (variable resistance) sensor to drive the temperature gauge, as well as a switch type (on or off) sensor to drive the overtemp indicator light.