Temp question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
Temp question
OK I know that vettes run hot, and my 96 vert, correct color (red/black) is not exception. My question is as follows - My digital readout shows 220 and the analog shows 250 - 260. I used a actron scan tool (CP9145) today on my Sunday morning trip to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee only, no donut and cop cracks, and I verified that the digital readout is correct as it matched the readout on the scan tool. Is their a seperate sending unit for the analog gauge or is this normal? Thanks for any help.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
From: Bel Air Md
My 93 dash does the same thing, except it's in the oil temp that's off. The digital says 200 and the analog gauge says around 150. The digital display is usually accurate. I think they get the reading from the same sensor and split the reading. So usually, the analog gauge is off.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,043
Likes: 3
From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
Completely normal... The analog gauges are notoriously inaccurate. For some reason, mine have always correlated well to the digital. However, I almost always have my digital display on either "coolant" or "oil" temp, so it's not an issue.
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA.
My '96 is exactly the same and I was told it's normal as well. I was told the analog guage is non-linear and usualy not to be trusted but the digital should be correct. Mine runs around 215 to 230 normally.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 488
From: Leonardtown Maryland
I just finished a 1200+ mile round trip to Tennesse from Maryland in my '94. No mods but a Bigmouth Air Dam. Before I left I flushed my coolant system and installed new Prestone antifreeze. I replaced the main radiator hoses but did not do the thermostat. Mileage is a little over 64000. Prior to that my temp was always over 200 (averaged around 210). During this trip, including a side trip to ride the tail of the dragon I kept the digital temp readout up and only went to 202 once (that I noticed). I would have to say that for 90% of the trip the temp was between 194 and 198. Highest outside air temp I observed was about 80 degrees near Roanoke, Va. this afternoon. I was surprised and could definitely feel more power with the cooler running motor.
- Chris
- Chris
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,261
Likes: 85
From: O'Fallon Missouri
Originally Posted by Fast Cop
Is their a seperate sending unit for the analog gauge or is this normal?
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 557
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From: Ottawa Ontario
Originally Posted by Fast Cop
OK I know that vettes run hot, and my 96 vert, correct color (red/black) is not exception. My question is as follows - My digital readout shows 220 and the analog shows 250 - 260. I used a actron scan tool (CP9145) today on my Sunday morning trip to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee only, no donut and cop cracks, and I verified that the digital readout is correct as it matched the readout on the scan tool. Is their a seperate sending unit for the analog gauge or is this normal? Thanks for any help.
Fast (other) cop.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,971
Likes: 9
From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Originally Posted by Perfusion
Completely normal... However, I almost always have my digital display on either "coolant" or "oil" temp, so it's not an issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Basic test of any analog is to disconnect it at the sender (right head) - Gage should read Lo or it coldest temp. Ground the lead and you should get Max or about 300 on the Vette. If it does that much, the cluster unit is usually good and a new sender may fix it up. You can usually buy one at NAPA. Just make sure you tell them that it's for the Analog or Dash Gage and you have an idea as to what it looks like. Most of the time they'll get it confused with the Coolant Temp Sensor (which also feeds the Digital on your Year) and bring you that part.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 62
From: Columbia SC
Thanks for all the great post in reference to my question. I am going to swapout the sending unit on the analog side and will report back of my findings. Just for what its worth, a whole lot to me, I think anyone who buys a vette must sign onto this forum and it is one of the best sources for vette info. Ithas saved me time and money many times. You guys and gals are great!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
i agree. so far, my helms manual has COST me $$, had i not paid attention to it and opted instead to listen to the form, a certain amount of aggravation and definitely $$ would have been saved. its just worked out that way so far, due to the issues involved.
