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Why do the newer temp gauges read fake values?

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Old 10-31-2005, 10:26 PM
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Default Why do the newer temp gauges read fake values?

If I understand correctly, the gauge cluster reads a serial data stream to make the gauges read something. The temp gauge is simply displaying what its told to is it not? If this is correct, could a rewrite to the OS simply eliminate the code that gives the fake data? It sounds like deleting a subroutine and passing a variable unaltered. Does anyone know?
Old 10-31-2005, 10:33 PM
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all mine read correctly...
Old 10-31-2005, 11:13 PM
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99+ temp gauges are dummy guuges.... only reason I can think of is GM had too many people getting worried when the gauge would rise on a hot day past normal....

I talked about this w/my dad (Jaguar mechanic) a few years back and he stated that Jaguar did the same thing a while back because they were getting too many people coming in that were worried that the car may be overheating .... so in that situation they changed the temp gauges to "warming up, operating temp, overheating" ...

98 is the only year that's accurate (for f-bodies)
Old 10-31-2005, 11:17 PM
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Is there any way to make it funstional. Its very annoying to see HPtuners tell me that im at 200 and the damn gauge says 180. Very annoyng. GL


John
Old 11-01-2005, 12:19 AM
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Originally Posted by horist
99+ temp gauges are dummy guuges.... only reason I can think of is GM had too many people getting worried when the gauge would rise on a hot day past normal....

I talked about this w/my dad (Jaguar mechanic) a few years back and he stated that Jaguar did the same thing a while back because they were getting too many people coming in that were worried that the car may be overheating .... so in that situation they changed the temp gauges to "warming up, operating temp, overheating" ...

98 is the only year that's accurate (for f-bodies)
That's exactly what it's for. They were contantly getting people bringing their cars in for service for normal gauge fluctuations from daily driving. (i.e. "why does my car get so hot when I'm stuck in traffic. I'm afraid its going to overheat") Now to punish everyone we get the dummy gauge...
Old 11-01-2005, 08:15 AM
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I annoyed at it like everyone else. I would like to know if the ramp upward during warm up is half real or fake too. All that to say, what creates the fake reading, the gauge cluster itself (I doubt it). Or is it fake data from the PCM in which case it should be fixable?
Old 11-01-2005, 10:34 AM
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I wondered the same thing myself. I wonder if you can take a temp sensor from the 98 and use it or is it all in the PCM.
Old 11-22-2005, 10:36 PM
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anyone?
Old 11-22-2005, 10:38 PM
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i think all sensors are the same part number. dont think that would fix it. its prob all in the computer
Old 11-22-2005, 11:05 PM
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^^^ nope... unless i'm mistaken.. 98 sensors are 3 prong with 1 feed going to the gauge cluster... 99+ are 2 prong with all feeds going to the PCM and the temp gauge fed off the serial bus...

if you want an accurate gauge best bet is an aftermarket water temp gauge
Old 11-22-2005, 11:06 PM
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yeah thats right, i remember my napa had a 3 prong listed for fbodies.

and yeah, i got an autometer one on the other head, great way to make sure both heads stay cool too
Old 11-23-2005, 01:15 PM
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All the research I have done indicates that it's the PCM that is making the coolant gauge act like an idiot light. I have sent coolant messages on the J1850 bus to two different gauge clusters (one T/A & one Camaro) and the temp gauge displays the analog coolant temp I'm sending it correctly.
Old 11-23-2005, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by MPP
All the research I have done indicates that it's the PCM that is making the coolant gauge act like an idiot light. I have sent coolant messages on the J1850 bus to two different gauge clusters (one T/A & one Camaro) and the temp gauge displays the analog coolant temp I'm sending it correctly.
So does this mean there might be a table in PCM flash for calibrating the temp data values sent to the gauge cluster (on 2000+ F-body)...?
Old 11-23-2005, 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by joecar
So does this mean there might be a table in PCM flash for calibrating the temp data values sent to the gauge cluster (on 2000+ F-body)...?
That would be excellent if true.
Old 11-23-2005, 07:32 PM
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My original '98 ECT temp sensor was off a bit. I complained to the dealer and they adjusted the dash to read 210* when the Tech II said 210*. I had the sensor replaced later, but before the warranty expired, and it remained accurate.

This past spring I blew a head gasket, and one of the things they replaced was the ECT sensor (I don't recall the reason). So now I've got that frickin idiot gauge also. While the shop has LS1-Edit, they had no reason to modify the calibration.
Old 11-23-2005, 07:39 PM
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I am very interested in hearing more of how you have an idiot 98 gauge now, what parts did they install?

While my 98 TA needle reads lower than the real temp is as well, it is linear off by about 10 degrees.

Ryan
Old 11-23-2005, 08:27 PM
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The invoice lists GM P/N 12551708 as the coolant temp sensor for a 98 F-body. When I advised the shop the gauge was now off whereas it was correct before, they basically said they're all inaccurate and if mine was accurate before, then I was lucky.
Old 11-23-2005, 08:43 PM
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Deg C When Coolant temperature falls below this value, the engine cold indicator is set.
Deg C When Coolant temperature rises above this value, the engine cold indicator is cleared.
Deg C When Coolant temperature falls below this value, the engine hot indicator is cleared.
Deg C When Coolant temperature rises above this value, the engine Hot indicator is Set.



Those are the only references in the whole bin file about a coolant temp gauge setting for the 99 up ls1/ls2
Old 11-23-2005, 09:56 PM
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where did you find that?
Old 11-23-2005, 10:25 PM
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I have all the pcms mapped out start to finish.


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