I recently obtained a 96 xj with the 4.0l engine. The temp gauge didn't work when I got it. I replaced the sending unit that threads into the front thermostat housing. It still doesn't work. Any ideas?

 

there should be another sending unit in the back of the head on the driver side that is a one wire connection that operates the gauge.

 

X 2, the sender on your T-stat housing is not the one for the gauge. If the sender doesn't fix it, though. Stuck at 0 could mean a broken wire. Sorted would be pegged over the other way.

 

I guess I replaced the wrong one. I will get the other one in and see if that works. What is the one in the front for?

Does the other one bolt directly to the head? I just want to know what to look for.

 

If I can remember correctly that one is for the temperature control unit. It has something to do with the heater and air conditioning.make sure that the sending unit wire is still in good shape and making a good connection.

 

mines pegged past red all the time, does that mean my wires are shorted?

 

could be
remove the wire from the sending unit if its still pegged its a short or bad guage

 

ok so I replaced the sending unit and checked the wire as far as I could. The gauge still reads zero. I followed the wire to the main harness, but I didn't feel like tearing apart the main wire pack. Any ideas? Is the temp gauge replacible or should I look at aftermarket?

 

I read somewhere that the stock connector for the instrument panel is prone to oxidation. try cleaning it and see if that helps.

 

you mean the connector right behind the gauge?

 

yes

 

Does anyone know if aftermarket temp gauge sensors thread into the stock location?

 

Pulled out dash and checked connectors. Everything was clean. Put it all back in and nothing. I guess I'll have to try aftermarket.

 

I finally figured it out. The metal pushed back on the connector to the sending unit. This was after I replaced the gauge of course. Now I have 2 spare gauges in case that one goes bad again. It Works! Woohoo

 

I have the exact same issue on my 96 XJ. What do you mean by "pushed back on the connector"?

I have already tried another set of gauges, and replaced the temp sending unit twice so I know it's not those. My problem started when I broke the original temp sending unit while replacing the valve cover gasket.