Temp gauge reading too low?

**War97gtp** · 09-09-2014

My temp gauge sits exactly 1/4 of the way up, right on the bigger white line between 100 and 210 so it would probably mean 160 or so. I checked the engine temp with my odb2 scantool and it sits around 200 on a hot summer day which is pretty normal. Shouldnt the temp gauge read just below the middle (210)? Where does your guys temp gauge sit at?

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 09-09-2014

The beauty of the factory temp gauge, it's pretty dumb on it's readings.

The first big line is about 195-200. Your 97's gauge cluster isnt like a 98+ as those start at 160, then 210, 230.

**War97gtp** · 09-09-2014

So between 0 and 1/4 is 100-200 and from 1/4 to 1/2 is 200 to 210?

**hensleya1** · 09-10-2014

Originally Posted by War97gtp

So between 0 and 1/4 is 100-200 and from 1/4 to 1/2 is 200 to 210?

Your best bet is to get a scanguage, torque app, or aerforce to actually read what the PCM is showing for temperature.

Every W-body I've had (five this year so far) would have a different spot on the gauge cluster for what "normal" was. Sometimes it was barely above 160. Other times it was smack on 210. My black car has a 160* and runs mid 160's... and the gauge is right on the first big line.

**War97gtp** · 09-10-2014

Thanks, I have been using the torque app for several years and that's what I used on the gtp. Like I said the coolant temps are normal, I was just wondering why the gauge seems to read low.

**Jomamma** · 09-10-2014

Stupid temp gauges.

I had to replace mine because I broke the wire when swapping my LIM.

Normal temp on my scan gauge, yet my gauge on the dash it's reads as overheating. I think the sensors defective.

**War97gtp** · 10-09-2014

Well I did some research with the torque app my actual temp is a good amount higher then what the gauge says. When my gauge reaches 100 actual coolant temp is 140 (I guess this is why they switched this number to 160 on newer grand prix's), when the gauge reaches the line between 100 and 210 actual temp is 195. When the gauge reaches halfway between that line and 210 it actually is 210 (temp wouldn't go any higher the cooling fans kicked in)

**Scottydoggs** · 10-09-2014

cause the fans come on at 212.

**War97gtp** · 10-10-2014

Yea I know I was just saying that at 210 it reads a good amount lower than 210 on the gauge. I ordered a new ac delco coolant temp sensor because I noticed the original dexcool has sludged up my radiator somewhat so im doing a coolant flush and refill with the green coolant as well as replacing the temp sensor maybe that will make the reading a little more accurate.