Step 12 - Inspect Engine Coolant Temperature Receiver Gauge Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Toyota Tundra. 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.

Fig 1: Testing Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge Circuit
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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.

If operation is as specified, replace the sender gauge. Then, recheck the system.

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

Fig 2: Testing Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge