Hi there,

My '82 240 GLT's temerature gauge has started to read much lower than before. I recently had problems with the sensor wiring grounding and the temp gauge running past the red. I fixed this by securing the wire to the sensor but now the needle won't go higher than the bottom third of the gauge. though it shows cool, when I run the heater the air is hot as ussual. Is this my temp sensor or a gauge problem? Any ideas folks? Thank you.

A stuck thermostat is the classic cause of low temp gauge. I'd have a look.

This time of year, if the thermostat is stuck partially open, the heater will seem hot. I just replaced a part-way stuck t'stat in my wife's 245; the temp gauge moved up about 1/2 or 3/8 inch to the center dot with the new one installed. Maybe it just got too old, I'll never know.
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[aka Sophie's Maintainer] Sven: '89 245, IPD sways, E-fan conversion, 28+ mpg - auto tranny. 850 mi/week commute.

Yep, if it's running cool, consider a stuck open thermostat.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans in Brampton, Ont.