Standard Ignition TS-188 Engine Coolant Temperature Sender

Engine Coolant Temperature Sender for Gauge Applications

Standard Ignition TS-188 is an engine coolant temperature sender built for vehicles with dash gauges. It uses a bolt-on design with a 1/4" x 18 thread, a round plug-in connector, and a brass finish for a direct service replacement on many GM applications.

Built with calibrated thermal switching components, TS-188 is designed to deliver a precise electrical signal to the gauge circuit. It is a practical replacement for drivers diagnosing inaccurate temperature readings on Chevrolet Lumina, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Oldsmobile Cutlass models with gauge-equipped engines.

Key Features

• Bolt-on attachment method for straightforward replacement
• 1/4" x 18 thread size
• Round plug-in connector with male connector gender
• Female bullet terminal design
• Brass finish for durable service use
• Factory-calibrated thermal switching for specified actuation temperature
• Formed bimetallic contact arm for precise electrical response

Detailed Description

Standard Ignition TS-188 is engineered as an engine coolant temperature sender for gauge-equipped vehicles. The internal thermal design uses calibrated wax and bimetallic contact movement to transfer the temperature signal accurately, helping the gauge system report coolant temperature as intended. Standard Ignition manufactures this sender with controlled calibration and testing to confirm switch actuation at the specified temperature.

This part cross-references Dayco 85046 for the same application. It is a direct-fit style replacement for many 1987-1998 GM passenger cars, including Chevrolet Lumina, Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Buick Regal applications listed below. TS-188 is a practical choice when servicing a temperature sender on a vehicle with gauges rather than an electronic cluster.

What It Helps Address

• Inaccurate or erratic coolant temperature gauge readings
• No gauge response from the temperature sender circuit
• Intermittent temperature signal at the dash gauge
• Replacement of a worn or failed sender on gauge-equipped GM vehicles
• Service needs on Chevrolet Lumina, Pontiac Grand Prix, and Oldsmobile Cutlass models

Fitment Notes

• Fits 1994-1998 Oldsmobile Achieva, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1990-1997 Chevrolet Lumina, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1995-1997 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1995-1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1988-1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1991-1997 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1994-1996 Buick Skylark, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1994-1996 Chevrolet Corsica, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1987 Chevrolet Corsica, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1988-1996 Pontiac Grand Prix, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1988-1995 Buick Regal, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1994-1995 Pontiac Grand Am, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1987-1994 Chevrolet Cavalier, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1991-1994 Pontiac Sunbird, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1989-1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 1 term, with gauge.
• Fits 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser, 1 term, with gauge.
• Fits 1987-1988 Cadillac Cimarron, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1988 Chevrolet Corsica, 1 term, with gauge.
• Fits 1987-1988 Pontiac Tempest, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1987 Buick Century, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1987 Chevrolet Celebrity, 1 term, with gauge.
• Fits 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, w/o electronic cluster; with gauge.
• Fits 1987 Oldsmobile Firenza, engines with gauges.
• Fits 1987 Pontiac 6000, engines with gauges.

Installation Notes and Tips

Confirm the vehicle uses a gauge-style temperature sender before ordering. Match the thread size, connector shape, and terminal style to the original unit, and inspect the connector for corrosion or looseness before installation. For best results, verify the cooling system is full and the engine is at a safe temperature before removing the sender.

Quality Assurance

Standard Ignition manufactures this sender with controlled component selection, factory calibration, and testing at the specified actuation temperature. As an OE ignition product manufacturer, the brand maintains quality control from component sourcing through finished assembly.