The temperature gauge on my 98 Contour is pegged. I have no signs of overheating, coolant levels are good, no telltale smell of overheating. A coworker told me that the problem is likely a bad wiring connection to the gauge or the gauge has failed but not a thermostat issue. Any suggestions?

 

Bad wiring is a good guess, but it could also be a bad relay or temp sensor. Guages usually are a last resort check.

 

There is a TSB about this. TSB 98-21 Oct 3 1998

 

what does TSB mean? and where can I get a copy. I have a similiar problem except my gauge doesn't move at all.

Please advice.

 

I looked under Ford TSB for a 1998 Contour and I can not find the below mentioned TSB. Is it located in a different file??

(There is a TSB about this. TSB 98-21 Oct 3 1998)

 

I have the same problem on my 98 there are 2 sencers on the thermostat housing 1 or both are bad. one is for the gauge the other is for the computer.

 

There are two temperature sensors in the same general area. One runs the temp gauge, the other connects to the computer. Sounds like the gauge sensor is bad, or maybe a wiring issue. If you get one of those OBD-2 scanners that connects to a computer (e.g. laptop), you'll see what the computer sensor is saying about temps. Generally that one seems more accurate.