new sensor must be FUBAR. just got home, plugged ect in, hooked up reader. temp gauge showed just below red line and ect temp showed -30f

what brand did you get? an increasing number of people have trouble with the store brand stuff. you want delco or delphi

Agree with Justin, I learned this the hard way, of course I got a T-Series SMP-TX66 because Rock Auto had it listed for my car, I found that it was totally the wrong ECT, I ended up getting an AC Delco 213815 and my sensor read correctly.

I have an old thread on another site that you may read if you like, there is some decent info in it, ways to test the dash gauge using resistors, as well as my woes from not getting an AC Delco or Delphi ECT in the first place.

Temp Gauge on Dash - 3800Pro.com Forum

If yours is showing that low of a temperature, something is adding like 90,000 ohms or so of resistance, that is not an exact number, but should be close, -40F should be 100,000 ohms of resistance.

it is made by standard. guess I will get another new one.

Did you get the SMP TX66T, or the SMP TX66?
Either way I'd get an AC Delco one.

I see the same part number I mentioned is the OE one listed for your car, before getting that one verify that your sensor is the shorter ECT, pretty sure it is, but still verify before getting it, as most places to do not accept returns on electronic related parts.

will let you know how I make out

Please do, good luck!

put in delco sensor. car ran for an hour, temp gauge showed normal reading. turned on a/c- no fans. recharged system EVERYTHING WORKS. thanks

Thanks for the update, glad the delco sensor fixed it for you!

I knew it, forums do work!