308 thermostat woes

[captngit]

Hi All,

So the thermostat had packed up on the car 1.6 petrol 2008 model, misty windows in the current climate wasn't much fun.
Ordered the part and once it arrived set about taking the old one off, all went well until I took the electrical connectors off which frankly crumbled and left me with little more than some pins and a little plastic.
Went online and saw some versions came with a harness adapter and figured worse case ill use those connectors and solve the issue, alas wasn't so simple but looking at the coolant sensor lead only one of the wires actually connected and next to it was a little green rubber look blank. New thermostat also had the sensor mounted in a different position so I couldn't get the original wire to reach the new position. I used the new adapter and essentially an extension lead to connect up to the same pin as the old connector would have used and set about testing it all.

ignition on, start car, temp gauge to maximum and stop engine light on, clearly not possible as engine was cold, tried the other pin as only two options, same thing.
anyone care to help this poor soul who just wanted to change a simple thermostat and now has an undrivable car please ?

[xantia_v6]

There are several different types of thermostat assembly, depending on which engine variant you have, and the build date. Some of the earlier ones were superceded and require an adaptor harness, which again varies depending on the original type fitted.

If you got one that matches the water pipes, then that is the first battle won.

If your original harness had only one wire for the coolant sensor, you will need to add a ground wire for the other end of the new sensor.

Can you post photos of what you removed and what you now have?

[captngit]

Attached picture is old part, simple two pin connector as is the new one, just the location has changed so the existing wire won't reach.

I'll get a picture of the new one tomorrow in the light and you'll be able to see what's left of the terminal block .
Guess I need to figure out how to run a ground to the sensor next.

[captngit]

Harness adapter used to extend the wires, old crumbling connector which is currently onto the corresponding pin on the adapter.

If I understand correctly, I now need to earth the other pin ? Any suggestions where a good earth to splice from might be ?

Thank you

[captngit]

Anyone ?

[mickthemaverick]

I would fit a ring spade to your earth wire and clamp it under the nut just below and to the left of the connector in your picture as arrowed below. Just make sure it offers 12V between it and the positive battery terminal but it looks like it will to me.

Amended

[Huskyxantia]

If ive not read properly , are or is the dash gauge ok ? Sounds like thats gone to earth , i might be wrong & hope i am.