Wiring an Oil temp gauge in a Mk2 89 GT

[MacColl]

This isn't life changing stuff but something I have wondered about ever since fitting the Oil temp gauge into my console..


My GT has this Oil filter set up and that green wire with spade in place..


These are the wires on the gauge..


So how does this wire in?Clearly I need power for the bulb in the gauge (maybe take from the ash tray light) but do I have to buy these items?..
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK1-M ... 3a6b22b8f2

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oil-Temperatu ... 53e4a57781
Or am I missing something?

[Mr Funk]

It's a doddle. I've got a wiring explanation on the big pc but I'm currently monged on the sofa. Can pm it later

[go-for-it1]

Hi Mac, Yes you need a sensor but you need to make sure you get the correct one for the range of the gauge. The sensors you can get from the dealer for less than the one on ebay so investigate them first. The range is etched on one of the sensor flats something like 60 - 180C and should correspond with the range numbers on the gauge. The sensor goes in the hole you can see on the second ebay item (filter housing) which you don't need by the way, just remove the plug in the top of your filter housing with an allen key and fit the sensor with a copper or soft aluminium washer to seal it, don't overtighten it though. The power for the lamp can be taken from the power to the ash tray lamp which only comes on when the lights are on and any earth. The 3 wires for the gauge are switched live which goes to the +ve, this can be from the fan switch if your black one is not live already, an earth (brown) which goes to the -ve and the green/black one which goes straight from the sensor to the "G" on the back of the gauge. Hope this helps.
Rob

[MacColl]

Thanks

I was beginning to think that there might be a removable plug that I wasn't seeing under the surface corrosion. I'll try the dealer for the sensor that as you say should correspond with the gauge. The light from the ash tray makes sense. Just need to figure earth and live as you describe.

So that green black wire and spade isn't relevant unless I find the end of it near the fuse box and replace it with the one on the gauge? that right?

Any further explanation would be appreciated Mr Funk

So I should get this figured out

Still no wagenstad available online

[Old Mac Rocco]

Hi Amigo.
Read this and realised why I don't read the "technical " section very often. Thick as two short planks.
Found oil temp sensor on page 318 in the trusty Haynes and actually found it on page 317 Fig 11.55 but then gave up suffering from brain malfunction.
Have purchased some spare lights for us so we have some in reserve for emergencies.
I'll keep you informed of the progress and condition when they arrive.
Good luck with your gauge fitting.


PS Aren't you supposed to be studying ??????????

[go-for-it1]

Thanks

I was beginning to think that there might be a removable plug that I wasn't seeing under the surface corrosion. I'll try the dealer for the sensor that as you say should correspond with the gauge. The light from the ash tray makes sense. Just need to figure earth and live as you describe.

So that green black wire and spade isn't relevant unless I find the end of it near the fuse box and replace it with the one on the gauge? that right?

Any further explanation would be appreciated Mr Funk

So I should get this figured out

Still no wagenstad available online

Earth wires are always Brown. The Green/Black wire by the filter runs to a spade just under the fusebox on later Mk2's, feel up behind bottom right side to find it, however you are showing a green wire in your photo so test this one back to the spade at the filter for continuity and you may find that this green cable is the same one. If not then find the cable by the fuse panel and extend it to the back of the gauge.

[MacColl]

Thanks, I'm sorted now

OMR thats a nice gesture having lights as spare I see Danster hasn't replied on his breaking thread, no wonder with the recent weather eh

I 'll be in touch about a possible trip up there if it's worth it. It's nice to get a break from studies getting my mind off all that Mental Health Nursing stuff. I think it's actually essential to talk about something totally different for a change.

I've got three weeks off Uni as of 16th Dec and although will be doing Carework shifts I'm really intent on doing the rear beam/fuel tank refurb but we'll see. Depends how organised I can be with parts and time etc.