How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
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Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,276
From: Chattanoga & Franklin
How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
I have a 1999 Z28. The temp gauge is like an idiot light, it reads cold, then moves up to normal and won't move unless the engine tells it there is a catastrophe. I have heard that 1998 LS1's had a functional temp gauge.
How do I convert the gauge to be functional? Would it require the PCM to be reprogrammed? Would I change the coolant temperature sensor? Or would I have to change the gauge itself?
How do I convert the gauge to be functional? Would it require the PCM to be reprogrammed? Would I change the coolant temperature sensor? Or would I have to change the gauge itself?
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 567
From: Mission, TX
Re: How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
I'd like to know as well....
I'd be willing to do all of the above except change the pcm to get this thing usable...
I'd just like to be able to know when its at its coolest.
Without having an extra gauge in a pod or something lol
I'd be willing to do all of the above except change the pcm to get this thing usable...
I'd just like to be able to know when its at its coolest.
Without having an extra gauge in a pod or something lol
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 567
From: Mission, TX
Re: How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
Originally Posted by MasterEvilAce
Ever thought that maybe the LS1 is so awesomely designed that it stays very level as far as temperature specs go?
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,305
From: North Vancouver, BC
Re: How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
I bet you anything you just have to change the temp sensor, its like the 95 Impala SS had an oil pressure guage that was like an idiot light but the 9c1 cop cars did not, the difference is only the sending unit, so I bet its the same.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 92
From: Wyoming
Re: How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
I took my car into the shop because it smelled hot, they told me the same thing. There was so many people getting excited because it moved so much. My temp said 210 but I was at 216. I also would like to know how to get it to read the correct temp, nice to know exactly what you are running. 
Registered User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 622
From: Nashville, TN
Re: How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
You'd have to program the PCM and get a sensor for a 98 car. The 98's have a dual circuit sensor that sends to the PCM but another one that sends directly to the guage. The later ones only have the circuit that sends to the PCM where it is basically turned into a dummy guage. I think with a PCM reprogram, you may be able to get the PCM to ignore the sensor readings and pass it directly to the guage.
Jason
Jason
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,665
From: Livonia, Mi
Re: How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
I left it alone, and installed an autometer sender in an auxilary hole above the starter, and added a water temp gauge to the collection on my a-pillar.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 507
From: NW Houston, Tx
Re: How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
Originally Posted by Mike94ZLT1
I left it alone, and installed an autometer sender in an auxilary hole above the starter, and added a water temp gauge to the collection on my a-pillar.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 821
Re: How do you make the temp gauge functional on 99+ cars.
Originally Posted by Mike94ZLT1
I left it alone, and installed an autometer sender in an auxilary hole above the starter, and added a water temp gauge to the collection on my a-pillar.
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