i got a 96 t/a and my factory temp guage quit working so i went and bought a autometer electric temp guage will it still work with the factory guage not working and where do i hook it up to or should i have bought a mechanical one thanks

 

The temp gauge likely quit working because the temperature sensor on the driver's side head went bad. I would just replace the sensor. It should be accurate enough.

 

so i replaced the temp sensor the one in the front by the water pump still nothing any other suggestions thanks

 

You need to replace the one in the driver side cylinder head. That is where the dash receives it's reading. The one in the pump is for the PCM.

 

I suggest reading what people say more closely, or multiple times, before you start chucking parts at the car

I just scanned the first guy's reply and saw he said "driver's side head". But hey, at least you know your PCM is getting the car's temperature now

 

man i just noticed that i should have read that over a little better

 

so i changed out both sensors and guage still just lays down could it be something in the dash or the wire coming off the sensor

 

Sounds like a wiring problem. I would test the voltage at the pigtail. Are you getting a code?

 

no codes with the after market guage can i just put it on to the wire that is on either sensor you think that will work

 

The temp sensor in the WP has to stay there and be connected, it's used by the PCM. If it will work with the wires on the temp sensor on the head, then use it, but I have no idea if it will. I would still try to find out why your gauge isn't working. I would be concerned that the wires are damaged/burned and if so, maybe others are too or will be. If the pigtail reads the appropriate voltage, then it's likely a problem with the stock gauge, not a big deal. Then you can just run your aftermarket temp gauge (once you know how to hook it up) and be fine.

 

sounds like a head ache

 

my gauge was busted on mine (read that it was overheating all the time) so i just went and bought a mechanical one at autozone and it works fine. plugged it into the drivers side head and ran the line into the interior. I have the gauge mounted on the piller. Easy to do, $30 and maybe an hour?