Temp Gauge Question

[HuskyWagon]

My '05 TB non EXT is starting to show signs of needing maintenance. I am more than happy to put in manual labor to keep it on the road as we haven't had any big issues with it to date. Has a touch over 116k on the odometer and the temp gauge seems to have just completely broken (pic was taken in my driveway in mid 50' weather at night) How complex is it to pull the dash apart and change what I am assuming is a bad relay or gear..? Any thoughts or suggestions is greatly appreciated.

[Trail X]

Probably a bad stepper motor, or possibly a bad sending unit. Do you have a scangauge or other obdii computer where you can look up the water temperature value that the computer is seeing? Does the water temp gauge sweep back to low temperature when you start your vehicle, during the lamp test?

[HuskyWagon]

I do not have a Scantool at my disposal. I would assume that it would be the "stepper motor" as the needle does not sweep left and return to low temperature during the lamp test you've described.
Side note - the speedo had developed a "sticking" issue where it stops a fluid sweep during acceleration and sticks to a speed then jumps to a new speed.
Example: sticks at 60 for a few seconds then jumps to 65 and continues sweeping smoothly to 70.
Would I be correct in thinking this issue would also be a stepper motor? Is it best practice to replace them all since I will have to open the dash anyways?

[Trail X]

I am not super familiar with the stepper motors, but yes, both of your issues sound like stepper related issues, in particular the speedometer issue. The temp needle could also be a lost connection somewhere in the dash. I think you'll find more information about the stepper motors on GMTNation.

[TBYODA]

I am not super familiar with the stepper motors, but yes, both of your issues sound like stepper related issues, in particular the speedometer issue. The temp needle could also be a lost connection somewhere in the dash. I think you'll find more information about the stepper motors on GMTNation.

ton's of info on our sister site on the 360 platform. IIRC most replace all of them because the level of Difficulty is Moderate to Difficult

Link to HOW TO Articles on GMTNATION

Get out your screwdriver & soldering iron.
How to change a stepper motor

[Eredin]

Stepper motors are super cheap. Easy to find on Amazon in packages to replace all of them.