cptmohog

So here is the situation: I installed an aftermarket "autometer" water temp gauge and it was working flawlessly. This weekend, since the factory wire was still right there, I thought why not hook it up and have 2 to compare? After I did it, the factory gauge seems to be working correctly, however the autometer never gets over 150. Also, when you turn on the ignition, my other autometers set themselves to 100, but the water one does not (sits hard left) in addition, whenIi turn the engine off and set the key to the accesories spot, the autometer seems to set itself to the right temp? any thoughts on why this is happening? I am sure I will just disconnect everything I did and go back to the autometer only, but am confused as to why this is happening? I am sure there is some explamation beyond my knowlage, so can any of you electrical gurus out there educate me? thanks in advance!!!

4.3L XJ

It is not getting enough voltage or a lousy ground through the sensor.

cptmohog

would it make any differance that the factory gauge that is working correctly is the firist eyelet on the sensor, then the autometer, then the lock washer, then the nut? I was messing around with all the wire (shrouding them) I could have done something to the autometer ground inadvertantly, but doubt it...will check that tomarrow.

Is there any reason why 2 gauges connected to one sending unit wouldnt work?

4.3L XJ

Yes. The sending unit will only pass a certain amount of current for each temp. You are trying to run two gauges on enough current for one. You will have to run one or the other.