Temperature gauge not working
I have a 1996 cherokee 4.0L straight 6. My temp gauge stopped working around the beginning of winter when I had my radiator replaced. I found towards the back of the engine on the drivers side the wires that plug into where it sends the temp to the actual gauge, and that is working fine.
So what id like to know is what I should go about replacing now....the actual thermostat or the other piece (cant think of the name right now) that plugs into the sending unit Wires. Thanks.
pics would also help a lot if possible.thanks again
So what id like to know is what I should go about replacing now....the actual thermostat or the other piece (cant think of the name right now) that plugs into the sending unit Wires. Thanks.
pics would also help a lot if possible.thanks again
CF Veteran

Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 9
From: Georgia
Year: 99 94
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: I6
The bottom part that threads into the block. Buy the mopar sender. The aftermarket ones nut size is to big and a socket hits the side of the valve cover. Factory 13mm. Aftermarket 9/16 or 15mm.
I have a 1996 cherokee 4.0L straight 6. My temp gauge stopped working around the beginning of winter when I had my radiator replaced. I found towards the back of the engine on the drivers side the wires that plug into where it sends the temp to the actual gauge, and that is working fine.
So what id like to know is what I should go about replacing now....the actual thermostat or the other piece (cant think of the name right now) that plugs into the sending unit Wires. Thanks.
pics would also help a lot if possible.thanks again 
So what id like to know is what I should go about replacing now....the actual thermostat or the other piece (cant think of the name right now) that plugs into the sending unit Wires. Thanks.
pics would also help a lot if possible.thanks again 
Beach Bum
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,123
Likes: 22
From: Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
Year: 2000 WJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
1996 is a bastard year but most should have two sensors. ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor is threaded into thermostat housing.
Sensor for dash gauge should be at rear corner of engine net to valve cover. If not there, I do not know why.
this linked thread has a picture of sender; https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5/tem...93/#post537662
Sensor for dash gauge should be at rear corner of engine net to valve cover. If not there, I do not know why.
this linked thread has a picture of sender; https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5/tem...93/#post537662
CF Veteran

Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 9
From: Georgia
Year: 99 94
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: I6
Some 96 have the sender on the right back side of the head and some don't. The others use the temp for the gauge from the temperature sensor that threads into the tstat housing.
[QUOTE=MonacaYankee;3083503]Some 96 have the sender on the right back side of the head and some don't. The others use the temp for the gauge from the temperature sensor that threads into the tstat housing.[/QUOTE
How can this be done? I have a 1994 jeep Cherokee Sport and recently have had to swap out to a 99 Cherokee 4.0 V6. The original motor was in it prior to that. The gentleman that did the work took and drilled a hole in the water Outlet housing and mounted a small nut to screw the temp gauge sensor into it. It doesn't work. So what is my option to make it function? Please reply
How can this be done? I have a 1994 jeep Cherokee Sport and recently have had to swap out to a 99 Cherokee 4.0 V6. The original motor was in it prior to that. The gentleman that did the work took and drilled a hole in the water Outlet housing and mounted a small nut to screw the temp gauge sensor into it. It doesn't work. So what is my option to make it function? Please reply
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 238
From: Groton, MA
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
The outlet relocation seems to be the favored way to handle this. Especially because if you mess it up, replacing the outlet is cheap and easy while the block is not so much... 
What doesn't work, specifically? The gauge itself in the vehicle or the mounting?
You can test the sending unit by removing it, plugging it in and (with the key set to "ON") holding a lighter to the sensing end - it should show the temp rising on the gauge - if that doesn't work, you have a bad sending unit or a problem with the wiring.
In your case, my first suspect would be the wiring - in order to relocate the sensor, the wires probably were extended and if done poorly, may have come apart. Check that first then test the sending unit.

What doesn't work, specifically? The gauge itself in the vehicle or the mounting?
You can test the sending unit by removing it, plugging it in and (with the key set to "ON") holding a lighter to the sensing end - it should show the temp rising on the gauge - if that doesn't work, you have a bad sending unit or a problem with the wiring.
In your case, my first suspect would be the wiring - in order to relocate the sensor, the wires probably were extended and if done poorly, may have come apart. Check that first then test the sending unit.
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CF Veteran

Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 9
From: Georgia
Year: 99 94
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: I6
Either the sender is bad or you have a short in the connection to the old wiring from the relocated temp sender.
Looks good. What parts and measurements on those parts are in the picture to make that happen? I know that the thread diameter on the the coolant temp sensor is 3/8 and the temp sending unit is 1/8 so I know that the t is a 3/8 T and that it is a male on each end and then you need a coupler for the 3/8 coolant temp sensor but is there a coupler that will do a 3/8 to 1/8 for the temp sending unit? If so can you send me the exact names and dimensions of the parts that you used if I'm incorrect.
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