No Temp Gauge
 

Hello I have a 1996 XJ with a 4.0 HO from a newer jeep and it doesn't have the sensor for the temperature gauge in the back of the head and I tried to put it into the thermostat housing with an aftermarket sending unit for coolant from autozone and no temp gauge still. Whats the easiest way to get my temp gauge back. Preferably near a good flow of coolant

I would guess an aftermarket sensor would only work with an aftermarket gauge. Am I missing something here? All sensors are designed with a specific gauge in mind, because they all produce and interpret variations in electrical current differently. That's why your newer motor with a newer sensor didn't work with your '96 gauge and why most people try to get a motor from the same or compatible year vehicle in these days of cars with computers in them.

Get the coolant temp sender from the back right of the head from the junkyard or buy a new one.
Adapt the factory sender into your t stat housing.
Extend the wire for the coolant temp sender to its new location.

i went with glowshift for mine. works really well and not hard to do. Sensor goes onto upper radiator hose.


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...682eeba22f.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...101d6a8859.jpg

Easiest thing to do would be to install an OBD2 reader like the ultragauge or the scangauge. Those will read the temperature from the PCM, which gets its info from the sensor in the thermostat housing.

I use a scangauge, but only because I've had it for 14 years and it was the only thing available at the time. I'd get an ultragauge today for half the cost.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...e13636cfea.jpg

That in hose adapter would have went on the bench and received a hole threaded for an air tap petcock before it went in. :)