I have a 2002 Galant ES (automatic) and the temperature gauge rises to the hot position about two minutes after starting the car. The engine is not running hot, the coolant is flowing, and hot air is blowing when the heat is turned on. It is not a stuck thermostat. Now the fuel gauge is acting funny and the radio does not come on. A friend thinks the entire instrument panel needs to be replaced. He even asked if the radio doesn't work. Is he right? Any information or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

 

I would like to thank everybody for the overwhelming response. You have been a great help...I guess I'll figure it out myself!

 

Hey i know how you feel,i didn't get any replies either ! Have a electrician have a look over it first,if you dis-connect the battery things start acting strange ! my clock wont set it keeps going wrong but yours sounds a little bit more serious than mine. Anyway goodluck.

 

I'd give your battery cables a good look over. I've had to replace the negative terminal and last foot or so of cable using a splice kit on several cars including my brother's 2001 Galant. His terminal and last section of negative cable were disintegrating. Battery condition and connection condition can cause all sorts of weird crap.

 

you could have several possible problems. possible 2 at once. for both of your gages and your radio to go out i would start with checking the power and grounds for the gauges in question. get out your circuit diagrams for the instument cluster and the temp sensors, and fuel gauge unit and start with a visual inspection then start with continuity checks, that should get you to a fix. check each connector in the system, and also if that circuit goes into another circuit, it will have to be checked as well. systems that share harnesses can affect one another in a short/break condition on the power or the ground side. just sayin!

 

I have the same problem and after spending money on new radiator, thermostat, fan clutch and new temp gauge sender, I tested the gauge itself and that's what;s bad! hope this hepls!!!!!