Hello Everyone,

I just bought a 97’ Civic as of a few days ago and I’m trying to work some bugs out. I don’t think the guy was completely honest with me about the car but I guess I could have checked it out better. I got a great deal on it though so I didn’t want someone to jump in front of me. Anyways, here is my question:

I noticed the temp gauge always stays half way between the Hot and Cold. This was even after it sat all night. Could this be a bad temp sending unit? I’ve owned all GM cars previous to the Civic and when a temp sending unit goes bad, they usually bury on the cold side and don’t move. I’m assuming any sending unit would work the same? Also, the gas gauge is in the same spot as the temp gauge (seems to be stuck in the middle). I’ve heard they are run off the same fuse? Could this be a reason why they are both “stuck” in the middle? My other conclusion is maybe the gauges are just stuck and I need to take the cluster off? Sorry, I’m new to Honda’s and will appreciate any tips. Thanks! I tried searching for this but nothing came up with the same problem I am having.

 

The temp gauge should go down to cold with the key off. Does the oil light on the dash come on when you turn the key on but don't start the engine? That light is on the same fuse as the gauges. Actually so is the speedometer (it is electric not mechanical), so if the speedometer works, the gauge cluster is getting power.

The sending unit is below the distributor screwed into the engine head. It is the one with one wire. If you unplug the wire with the key on, the gauge should go down to cold. If you ground the wire it should go all the way up to hot. If the gauge passes these tests, replace the sending unit.

 

Thanks for the help. What's weird is that the temp gauge never goes down to the cold even when the car is turned off. It must be that the needle is stuck then?? That can be my only guess.

 

Yes I think that means the gauge itself is defective. On the older ones anyway it would go down below Cold with the key off. Someone who actually has a working sixth generation (96 to 00 model) could confirm that.