# Did I compromise my temperature gauge while changing my alternator?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/did-i-compromise-my-temperature-gauge-while-changing-my-alternator/17420>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [July 30, 2008, 2:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/did-i-compromise-my-temperature-gauge-while-changing-my-alternator/17420 "2008-07-30T02:40:07Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![jcmurphy338](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@jcmurphy338](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jcmurphy338)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 2:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/did-i-compromise-my-temperature-gauge-while-changing-my-alternator/17420/1 "2008-07-30T02:40:07Z")

</div>

I just changed a dead alternator in a 99 Chevy Venture, following the Chilton manual step by step. Upon test driving it to work yesterday I noticed my temp gauge registered hot as far as it would go. I pulled into work. It sounded normal running and shut off. After work the coolant level was normal and no leaks, yet the gauge was pegged to hot with motor off. I drove it home. Nothing unusual but the gauge. I changed the coolant temp sensor. Nothing changed. Might I have compromised some wiring behind the block when I raised and lower it to change the alternator or should I look elsewhere?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![NYBo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nybo/32/17281_2.png) [@NYBo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NYBo)\
**Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 2:49am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/did-i-compromise-my-temperature-gauge-while-changing-my-alternator/17420/2 "2008-07-30T02:49:47Z")

</div>

Some engines have two sensors: one for the engine control computer, one for the gauge. I don’t know if yours is one of these, though. If not, I think you pinched the wire from the CTS, shorting it to ground.