Question : 3100 Running Temp?

[Dpzelenak]

So i swapped TB on my 3100 to a 3400 and since i was there and i had gotten a code for it i swapped the ect sensor mainly because it was easier to get to with the TB off, so i put the new sensor and TB on, start it up. Runs fine no problems.
While im on my way home i notice that the temp gauge on the dash is reading higher then normal, so why first thought was that i put air in the cooling system. so i bleed the system, pull it under a vacuum(holds fine no leaks). Run the car again, same problem so i put the old ect back in and now its reading normal.
I hooked my scanner up and was watching what the computer says the temp is and compared to the gauge on the dash, there no where close

So my questions are-
Is what i think normal really wrong because the sensor is bad, and it really runs that hot?

Which reading is right and witch is wrong?



Thanks

[Fireball]

Mine runs between 195-210 F on any given day depending on the type of driving

[Dpzelenak]

thats about what the computer says, but the gauge is closer to 180-190

[TGP37]

The gauges are not accurate due to consumer issues. I dont remember much but I do remember the temp gauges in the cluster was purposely designed to read cooler then what the real temp is. I think it was because people took their cars in when they appeared to run hot, but it was just normal operation.

I also learned these engines, among others, run better and/or more efficient around 210*F versus 195*F as per thermostat.

I wouldn't worry about it until it passes 225-230 degrees F, imho

[Dpzelenak]

alright thanks,
ill just put the new sensor back in and be done with it

[3100]

The gauges are not accurate due to consumer issues. I dont remember much but I do remember the temp gauges in the cluster was purposely designed to read cooler then what the real temp is. I think it was because people took their cars in when they appeared to run hot, but it was just normal operation.

I also learned these engines, among others, run better and/or more efficient around 210*F versus 195*F as per thermostat.

I wouldn't worry about it until it passes 225-230 degrees F, imho

Interesting. My gauge reads real low, dunno if it's accurate. The fan doesn't come on until around 110*C. Normal operating temp is between 50 and 60*C according to the gauge but I've used an IR thermometer and the thermostat opens when it should.

However I believe there's something amiss with the sensor or wiring because even in the dead of winter it reads slightly higher than 40* (the lowest number on the Celsius gauges) and will start moving once it passes that temp, but since it's reading low it doesn't go much higher unless I'm idling and I let it get warm enough for the fan to turn on.

I think it's just a really fancy idiot light.

[Dpzelenak]

thats what mine was doing for years, then it throws a code telling me replace the sensor.
replaced with a new one and now it reads really high(compared to the way its read for like 5 years)

[TGP37]

thats what mine was doing for years, then it throws a code telling me replace the sensor.
replaced with a new one and now it reads really high(compared to the way its read for like 5 years)

If it reads hotter the PCM will act on the temp either way. That just may be added resistance in the circuit as the temp sensor works on resistance. Or maybe a pcm ground is going bad, failing grounds cause all kinds of wierd issues.