C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

single wire water temp gauge

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 15, 2011 | 11:12 AM
  #1  
ls1jeep's Avatar
ls1jeep
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
 
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: marlton new jersey
Default single wire water temp gauge

is there any way to tap a single wire gauge into the stock engine coolant temp gauge wiring ?
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2011 | 11:24 AM
  #2  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,347
Likes: 1,124
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by ls1jeep
is there any way to tap a single wire gauge into the stock engine coolant temp gauge wiring ?
I would suspect that most aftermarket gauges operate on 12 volts, while the C5 ECT is 5 volts. Additionally, you cannot tap into the existing circuit, as that would affect the resistance.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2011 | 11:30 AM
  #3  
Quicksilver Vert 01's Avatar
Quicksilver Vert 01
Tech Contributor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Default

I don't think the +5 volt reference signal used would be compatible with an aftermarket temperature gauge, and it might cause damage to the PCM.

You could probably drill and tap the thermostat housing, to accept your aftermarket sensor, and then wire it as a stand-alone device.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2011 | 11:37 AM
  #4  
Quicksilver Vert 01's Avatar
Quicksilver Vert 01
Tech Contributor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Default

It looks like lucky was already typing, while I was looking the circuit up in the shop manuals.

Seems like we both agree that it's a bad idea to tap into an existing +5 volt circuit.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2011 | 11:41 AM
  #5  
lucky131969's Avatar
lucky131969
Tech Contributor
15 Year Member
Active Streak: 30 Days
Community Builder
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,347
Likes: 1,124
From: Dyer, IN
Default

Originally Posted by Quicksilver Vert 01
I don't think the +5 volt reference signal used would be compatible with an aftermarket temperature gauge, and it might cause damage to the PCM.

You could probably drill and tap the thermostat housing, to accept your aftermarket sensor, and then wire it as a stand-alone device.
I think an easier solution, would be to make use of the other head. Just remove the plug.
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2011 | 11:45 AM
  #6  
Bill Curlee's Avatar
Bill Curlee
Tech Contributor
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Default

If you want an aftermarket temp guage, why not just install one on the PASSENGER HEAD in the EXACT same hole that the C5 temp sensor is in? Theres a PLUG in that hole! It's at the rear location on that head on that side of the engine.

BC
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2011 | 12:02 PM
  #7  
Quicksilver Vert 01's Avatar
Quicksilver Vert 01
Tech Contributor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,100
Likes: 17
From: Somers, CT and Clermont, FL
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Default

Heads win....It's a perfect location to use!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To single wire water temp gauge





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:51 PM.

story-0
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-2
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-24 16:12:42


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE