Inspect Engine Coolant Temperature Receiver Gauge Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota Sequoia. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the connector from the sender gauge.
Turn the ignition switch ON, check that the receiver gauge needle indicates COOL.
If operation is not as specified, measure the receiver gauge resistance.

Fig 1: Testing Engine Coolant Temperature Receiver Gauge (1 Of 2)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Ground terminal on the wire harness side connector through a 3.4 W test bulb.
Turn the ignition switch ON, check that the bulb lights up and the receiver gauge needle moves to the hot side.

Fig 2: Testing Engine Coolant Temperature Receiver Gauge (2 Of 2)
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

If operation is as specified, replace the sender gauge. Then, re-check the system.

If operation is not as specified, measure the receiver gauge resistance.