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  • Classics Monthly

    Troubleshooting with Steve Rothwell

    Dec 02, 2019 8 minutes

    AUSTIN MAESTRO TEMPERATURE READING

    Q  I have a 1984 Maestro 1.3L which has a problem with an erratic temperature gauge. Both the coolant temperature warning light and the gauge indicate that the cooling system is overheating, but the engine itself is obviously not as hot as indicated. The coolant temperature is monitored by a thermistor, which I have changed. Before I purchased the vehicle, the carburettor stepper motor has been removed, and a manual choke fitted by the previous owner. As this has been removed, is the ECU still needed? If it is not, can I wire the temperature gauge straight into the thermistor or do I need a new temperature sender unit?

    John Hancock

    A As your Maestro has now been fitted with a manual choke system, the temperature gauge does need to be wired directly.

    You should check the ECU and if it has not been converted, disconnect the green/ blue tracer wire from terminal 13 on the unit and extend this cable so that it reaches the thermistor.

    Disconnect the existing cable and tape it out of the way, then fit a single terminal sender unit (the original part number is GTR143) and connect the extended green/blue cable to its terminal. This directly wires the gauge to the sender and should mean you now get an accurate temperature reading.

    VW VENTO GEARBOX OIL LEAK

    I have a 1994

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