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temp gauge question

Old Aug 3, 2010 | 08:49 PM
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hey guys, a few days ago i noticed my temp gauge was stuck at about 175-180 and wouldnt go any higher on my 98 z28. this is not the normal temp for my car so idk if there is a problem with my gauge or the car itself. anyone have this happen to them or know what the problem may be?

also it may help to know the gauge displays when the engine is cold, it just doesnt read anything above 175-180, thanks.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 08:56 PM
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for a 98 it should read close to the real temperature... mine typically reads and fluctuates between 185-210 while driving.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:00 PM
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interesting...the only thing that is weird is that it used to run pretty much right at 210 and the past few days it gets stuck at 175-180 and not climbing like it used to.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:02 PM
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i think im experiencing the same with my 99 t/a i was VERY low on coolant..but the temp gauge never ever read past 210..i know that engine got hotter then that.i even hooked up a gm tech 2 to my car, and i got it upwards of 230 and the gauge still said 210..maybe the cluster is fucked! idk?
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:04 PM
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Did it usually stay at 210 when you're driving on the highway? Mine will usually stick around 180-185 on the highway, and only get to 210 when driving in a lot of stop and go traffic when it's really hot out.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by blackz28x07
Did it usually stay at 210 when you're driving on the highway? Mine will usually stick around 180-185 on the highway, and only get to 210 when driving in a lot of stop and go traffic when it's really hot out.
no matter what kind of driving..ALWAYS 210
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:21 PM
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mine used to always stay around 210 +/- some and now just gets stuck at about 180. i will prolly just get a cheap temp gauge and see what the temp actually is to see if its my gauge or not.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:22 PM
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the 99+ gauge is little more than an idiot light. It will hover at 210 until temps get really nasty.
This "improvement" was made because of too many customer complaints on the 98's normal temperature swings.

On a 98 I'd definitely hook it to a scanner, to see what the PCM was actually seeing. If there's a discrepancy there, you know it's the cluster. If it reads the same, I'd hook up an external gauge. It's possible you have a temperature sender on it's last legs.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by JaYZeig
no matter what kind of driving..ALWAYS 210
I think only the 98 showed the real temp. And 99 thru 02 showed two settings 210 or your overheated!
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Rhino
the 99+ gauge is little more than an idiot light. It will hover at 210 until temps get really nasty.
This "improvement" was made because of too many customer complaints on the 98's normal temperature swings.

On a 98 I'd definitely hook it to a scanner, to see what the PCM was actually seeing. If there's a discrepancy there, you know it's the cluster. If it reads the same, I'd hook up an external gauge. It's possible you have a temperature sender on it's last legs.
ok cool thanks a lot.
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 09:57 PM
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well its got a new temp sending unit, but im thinking im gonna get an external temp gauge as well..thats a pretty important gauge to monitor IMO
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Old Aug 3, 2010 | 10:01 PM
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Originally Posted by JaYZeig
well its got a new temp sending unit, but im thinking im gonna get an external temp gauge as well..thats a pretty important gauge to monitor IMO
i agree. i think im gonna pick up a new temperature sending unit as well and go from there.
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Old Aug 4, 2010 | 07:57 PM
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I have a buddy with an infared heat gun and just shot the sending unit to verify actual temp......
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Old Aug 5, 2010 | 02:40 AM
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Moving to External.
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Old Aug 7, 2010 | 11:29 AM
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ok i picked up a new temperature sensor and i keep having the same problem. it doesnt reach over 175. any ideas guys?
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Old Aug 7, 2010 | 12:13 PM
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Have you had it on a scanner to verify that ECT is an actual 175*?
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Old Aug 7, 2010 | 12:17 PM
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no i havent. would i have to go to a tuner for that?
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Old Aug 7, 2010 | 12:20 PM
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Anyone with HPTuners could do it without having to license the vehicle, however many of the better hand held scanners as will also. If your tuner is local, and willing to log it, that would be your best bet.
My local Autozone carries the handheld in their loan a tool program. I think it was around $100 deposit, but they refund all charges when it's returned.
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Old Aug 7, 2010 | 12:27 PM
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ok sweet i will try that. otherwise i will contact my tuner see if he could do it. is it possible that it could be the gauge itself?
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Old Aug 7, 2010 | 03:12 PM
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Something else non gauge related you may look into is your thermostat. If you're seeing the lower temps at highway speeds it could have failed open.
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