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Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Engine Tech => Topic started by: kuchak on November 11, 2013, 03:57:03 PM

Title: temperature gauge
Post by: kuchak on November 11, 2013, 03:57:03 PM
Hello,

I'm a newbie here, and just bought a 1983 T-bird with the 302 V8. I was surprised to see it does not have a water temperature gauge or even an idiot light. I don't think I've ever seen a car without one. I scoured the owners manual and it appears it never came with one, nor did any of the '83s. Has anyone installed an aftermarket gauge, and where on the engine would you plumb in the sensor?
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: jandmmustangs on November 11, 2013, 05:14:45 PM
I would think there would be a warning light somewhere. Do you have the buttstuffog or digital cluster?  As far as a sending unit, there should be a sensor near the front of the intake manifold.
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: CoogarXR on November 11, 2013, 05:56:29 PM
Back when I had my 83, I put a set of gages under the radio. I posted pics a while back -> http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showpost.php?p=290370&postcount=2
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: kuchak on November 11, 2013, 07:36:39 PM
jandmmustangs,

I have the digital.
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: jandmmustangs on November 11, 2013, 08:10:33 PM
Ill look at my 84 tomorrow and see if that has a temp gauge/warning light. Ill snap a pic of the sending unit for ya too
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: softtouch on November 12, 2013, 02:17:19 AM
On the 84 it is the red "engine" light.
It indicates low oil pressure or over heating coolant.
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: Haystack on November 12, 2013, 09:23:13 AM
x2. same as my 88 crown vic wagon.
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: kuchak on November 12, 2013, 04:05:54 PM
Quote from: softtouch;424341
On the 84 it is the red "engine" light.
It indicates low oil pressure or over heating coolant.


Thanks. I think it is different on the '83. According to the owners manual, the red engine light is for oil pressure only.
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: White85GS on November 12, 2013, 05:39:12 PM
and here I thought that engine light was the Check Engine light. I was like, how do 83 & 84's have a CEL, but my 85 doesn't??
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: jandmmustangs on November 12, 2013, 06:00:08 PM
Quote from: softtouch;424341
On the 84 it is the red "engine" light.
It indicates low oil pressure or over heating coolant.

I can't openly discount this. However, my 84 has a "check oil" light in the center of the dash. No coolant lights at all.

Here's a pic of the temp sending unit for the OP. it's on the drivers front of the engine.
(http://i1148.photobucket.com/albums/o569/JustinGehret/null_zps90393619.jpg) (http://s1148.photobucket.com/user/JustinGehret/media/null_zps90393619.jpg.html)
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: softtouch on November 13, 2013, 02:34:27 PM
Quote from: jandmmustangs;424359
I can't openly discount this. However, my 84 has a "check oil" light in the center of the dash. No coolant lights at all.

Your "check oil" light means check the oil level. There is an oil level sensor on the oil pan. It is part of an optional group of diagnostic warning lights called " system sentry".

84 EVTM diagram:
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: Haystack on November 13, 2013, 04:16:47 PM
my crown vic had a check engine light that flashed when pulling codes, and then an engine light when it overheated.
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: kuchak on November 14, 2013, 05:49:05 PM
I just got the shop manuals today. The "check engine" light IS for both oil pressure and temperature. The owners manual mentioned only oil pressure. Thanks to all who replied.
Title: temperature gauge
Post by: jandmmustangs on November 14, 2013, 06:27:56 PM
Quote from: softtouch;424389
Your "check oil" light means check the oil level. There is an oil level sensor on the oil pan. It is part of an optional group of diagnostic warning lights called " system sentry".

84 EVTM diagram:

Thanks for the insight. Ya learn something new everyday
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