So my temperature gauge flickers. It changes up to a few times per second between displaying the correct temperature, and displaying fully-cold.

My mechanic said that to fix it he would need to replace the whole cluster. I would like to know from you guys if there is any way I can fix this myself.

 

Depends if it is the sender, or the gauge itself. Do you have anybody near you that can swap clusters with you? If you swap clusters and it still acts up, then it's not in the cluster.

 

Why don't you start by checking the connection at the sensor before you swap clusters?

 

I, m on my Phoenix right now(at work), but I posted in a recent thread with a link to a fix for this. The spade terminal on the sensor is probably loose. If so, you can clean and folder it without removing the Senor for a free fix. Its located on the driver side of the front head. What's happening is it drops from the correct ohms to infinity when it wiggles.

 

BTW, unless he's already diagnosed it to the cluster you mechanic is a hack or a cheat. Don't go back to him. It could also be a loose connection on the back of the cluster. 99% of the time with gauges, its a sensor.

 

Not sure what year yours is. The thread I'm referring to is in 4th Gen.

 

I just had the a very similar problem ,it was the temp sensor in the front of the car.