water temp gage shorted?

[boatdude100]

Installed bimini top, may have drilled into wire. I jostled wires in that area and water temp gage jumped from zero to full and back repeatedly. Then it wouldn't move at all.
Replaced tan send wire but still no movement so......

Question:
1) If it was temprarily shorted or whatever made it repeatedly pin at full, what is more likely to have been fried- the sensor plug on the motor, or the gage?

2) How can I test the water temp gage and water sensor plug.

 

[alldodge]

1. intermittent short somewhere, don't know where

2. Turn key ON, ground sensor wire at the sender, it should peg and stay there

 

[boatdude100]

ok so If I understand correctly, you are saying to ground the wire at the tip of the sender on the motor, bypassing the sender and if it pegs, the gage is likely fine? Thanks!

 

[alldodge]

Yes