Temp gauge not working - not cluster - earth point?

[325ie30]

Hi eveyone, my temp gauge doesn't work but have tried an instrument cluster that I know works and no change so that's not the problem.

When you turn the ignition on the needle moves to the zero position but stays there regardless of water temp. Also the dash lights for the rev counter and temp gauge don't work, which makes me suspect an earthing problem or something rather than the thermostat being broken (also don't want to change thermostat until I've exhausted other possibilities).

Is there an earth point related to the temp gauge that I need to check?

Any other suggestions / ideas??

cheers!
Rich

[Wookie]

Had a similar problem, changed the temperature sender, now it works fine. It's the brown one if I remember correctly, I know the blue one is for the ECU.

[Brianmoooore]

Pull the brown connector off the sensor on the thermostat elbow and earth the single connector in the plug with a piece of wire.
If this moves the gauge to full hot, change the sensor. If it doesn't, look under the rubber boot on the lower part of the plug and socket for the injectors under the inlet manifold.

[325ie30]

Finally got round to trying your suggestions last night..

Earthed the plug contact -> Needle went to full hot -> swapped sensor -> Job done

Thanks for the help guys, much appreciated - I won't be so nervous sitting in traffic now!