I have a 94 V6 XLE. A few months ago, the temperature sensor went out (started reading cold all the time), so I replaced it. (The sensor that screws into the water inlet housing right next to the radiator cap) Since then, the temperature has been reading hot. My mechanic ran his infrared gun over the system and found that the cooling system was functioning properly.

The temp gauge starts at the Cold mark, but moves to the midpoint within 60-90 seconds. When the engine reaches normal operating temperature (about 5 minutes), the needle is about the 3/4 mark. (Again, I have verified that the engine is not overheating.) Is there another sensor that affects the gauge reading? The rest of the instrument panel functions perfectly, so I am betting the problem is with a gauge itself.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

You sure you replaced the correct sensor. Has one yellow/green wire.

If correct make sure you don't put sealant on the threads as this can effect the sensor ohm resistance.

There are a couple of sensors having 2 wires.

Brown and green/black.

Blue/yellow and blue/white.