Engine temp gauge

[Buger]

Anyone else wish the CX-5 had one? I know it's got the idiot light, but I like having an actual gauge to keep me aware of potential problems before they become extreme.

If there is an actual gauge and I've missed how to see it, please feel free to call me an idiot, as long as you also tell me where it's located.

Going back to your original post, it's ok with me that the CX-5 doesn't have a "real" linear coolant temp gauge. I'm not sure if any of its competitors have one as it just isn't a main thing most small suv buyers look for. I know where you're coming from though.

There isn't a gauge from the factory but you can probably pay a lot of money for someone to add a real one if you don't want a flexible software solution based on info from the OBD2 port.

 

[CXVille]

Please re-read my earlier post. I'm not necessarily interested in the exact temp of the coolant. I'm interested to know if the temp is different than what the gauge usually shows, and any gauge will show that. A car's coolant temp should run pretty much the same all the time. If, for whatever reason, there's a change, I like to know it.

I have zero interest in hooking up something to the OBDII port, even if I knew where it was.

And what we are saying is that most factory temp gauges won't really do that! Take my 1999 BMW M3, which I track, so i like to know the temperature it is running at. Comparing it to the OBDII, the needle won't move from about 200 - 220 F. And 200 is almost the same as 185 F. So a 35 F degree range is almost impossible to discern. The BMW is widely known that when the gauge gets to the hot range it means pull over NOW!! Because you just blew the head gasket.

For what you want, under normal driving circumstances, the temperature should remain within about 5 F, maybe 10 F. If it slowly, over time, climbs 30 F while your radiator plugs, you won't know it. Hence it is no better than the warning lights currently installed. The two stage warning lights provide better indication.

 

[BRIAN_MP5T]

A stock "Temp Gague" is just as useless as a light.

The manufacturer want the "Granny's" and Tree Huggers" to feel good when they drive the car.

So, the needle will

stay at Full Nothing until the engine reaches 50 Deg C
stay Solid Middle at anything from 90 - 110 Deg C
Go to Full H at anything over 125 Deg C

It is programmed to move slowly between those points so it looks like it is doing something useful, but it's not.. Sorry

 

[Dimcorner]

My FD RX7 had a temp gauge that basically swept from cold to warm to dead. If it started creeping to the hot side you have to pull over 2 minutes ago.

 

[Kayger12]

My FD RX7 had a temp gauge that basically swept from cold to warm to dead. If it started creeping to the hot side you have to pull over 2 minutes ago.

This.

Same for the BMW- if the needle starts to move from the middle chances are your head is already warped.

I prefer the light to the gauge. At least a red light will catch my eye. By the time you notice a temp gauge moving it's most likely too late.

 

[ericw2000]

I dislike the blue light only because it reminds me of how cold I am in the winter. I drive in the Chicago suburbs, short distances, and my 2013 Touring takes longer to warm up than my previous cars, most likely due to the efficiency of the engine. When the temp hovers in the single digits, it takes between 3 and 4 miles for that light to turn off (driving 35 mph), while my teeth chatter.

 

[Keke12]

I need the temp gauge. I cannot understand how an automaker can market a car without one. Silly, plain silly!

 

[STE92VE]

Why do you need a temp gauge? The blue light tells you when the engine is cold and if it's red, that means you're overheating and you should pull over, which is what you would do if you had a gauge. My BMW's aren't equipped with either a temp gauge or a dip stick but that doesn't stop me from loving the way they perform. Same with my CX-5.

 

[CX-SV]

I need the temp gauge. I cannot understand how an automaker can market a car without one. Silly, plain silly!

Pep Boys has a nice assortment.