question about mechanical water temp gauge
09-10-2003, 12:03 PM
#1
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question about mechanical water temp gauge
im wanting to replace the factory water temp gauge with a mechanical one. i realized this would probably make it so that the radiator fan doesnt work because doesnt it receive a signal from the stock sending unit. is there any way to fix this?
09-10-2003, 04:00 PM
#2
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,646
Car Info: 02 WRX WRB
First of all, you wouldn't disconnect the factory temp gauge or sending unit. The sending unit connects to both the gauge and the ECU and your car needs it to run properly. The fans are operated by the ECU based on the coolant temp, they are not connected to any sensor directly.
If you want to add an aftermarket temp gauge it would require its own dedicated sensor. You cannot tap into the existing one.
There is no good reason to install a mechanical gauge as opposed to an electrical one. A mechanical coolant temp gauge would require running a line with coolant into the car which is a bad idea.
If you want to add an aftermarket temp gauge it would require its own dedicated sensor. You cannot tap into the existing one.
There is no good reason to install a mechanical gauge as opposed to an electrical one. A mechanical coolant temp gauge would require running a line with coolant into the car which is a bad idea.
09-10-2003, 09:02 PM
#3
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somebody on this forum told me i would have to remove the stock sensor and install the replacement gauge in place of the stock one(in the factory location). there is a good reason to run a mechanical gauge as opposed to an electrical one. the mechanical gauge i have has a tube filled with ether gas(not coolant) which seems like it would be more accurate and respond much quicker, although its not like the stock gauge moves at all anyway. are you telling me that if i went with an electrical gauge it wouldnt work to just splice into the existing wires? im not doubting you just wondering.
09-11-2003, 04:22 AM
#4
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Location: NYC
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Car Info: 02 WRX WRB
The stock coolant temperature sensor has to be left alone. If you remove it or tap into it the ECU will no longer be getting accurate temperature information which it needs to determine fuel mixture, timing, fan operation etc.
10-02-2003, 07:21 PM
#5
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Location: www.tristatetuners.com
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I tried to tap my elect. water temp gauge into my ecu and got slapped in the face with a CEL, and a set of fans that wouldnt shut off. Once I disconnected the gauge, the CEL dissapeared and the fans worked normally.
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