Factory water temp gauge for '96?

[9746Cobra]

Mine is acting up. As in doing nothing but staying in the 7'o clock position.

It pops up and reads normally on occasion, that is between N and O after warm up.

Sometimes I can tap the lens over the gauge and it starts working, leading me to believe it's the gauge, not the sender.

So for questions:

Is the 1996 Mustang GT temp gauge the same as that in my '96 Cobra? (face is different of course)

Are there two senders? (One for computer, one for gauge)

Where the heck can I get a factory temp gauge? Ebay the only hope?

 

[9746Cobra]

Here is what I've learned.

The OEM fuel gauge/Temp gauge is long since unavailable.

There is a temperature sensor (ECT) that tells the PCM what temp it is.

There is a temperature sender that tells the temp gauge what temp it is. (You know, N through L)

The temperature sender should be at about 74 Ohms when cold to about 9.7 Ohms when cold. (reference good ol' Haynes!) Mine when at running temperature was giving 8.7- 9.2 Ohms.

It looks to me like the sender is okay and my problem is at the gauge area. That sucks.

I'll probably end up getting an aftermarket gauge. At least it will be more accurate.