Temp. gauge not moving? (1 Viewer)

[landarcht]

Has anyone had this condition where the temp. gauge is too stable? Literally not moving? Once car starts after a min. or two, the temp. gauge needle will rise and stays at the position as shown in the photo. It has been like this for few years now, I recall many years ago if driven extreme long distance (+/-500-600 miles road trip) in Nevada desert temps. +/-110, the gauge tends to move a bit higher. But now the most I drive will probably like 100 miles in 100 degree temp., the needle will stay like this and won't move, just curious if this is normal.

 

[jLB]

In my experience, this has been the norm on all of the 80/100 series LC/LX that I have owned.

From the 80 series section:

93-97 Coolant Temperature Gauge Modification

Why To prevent us from worrying about coolant temperature fluctuations and the service calls that would result Toyota designed the coolant temperature gauge to be numb to changes in temperature in a band centered near normal operating temperature. This makes for a gauge that moves towards the...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Shortpencils]

Seems about right. The resolution on these is pretty non-existent, but that's approximately where mine runs regardless of environmental conditions or how hard I'm pushing. A Scangauge or similar monitor would give you discrete numbers and perhaps peace of mind.

 

[AlpineAccess]

Shouldn't fluctuate at all once hitting operating. The 100 has a very solid cooling system which does well in much hotter countries with worse roads than ours. If well maintained you are describing how it should perform!

If it's bouncing, probably have some air in the system, older fluid, something up with the thermostat or water pump, or need to clean your radiatior fins thoroughly.

Two weeks ago we were in 100 degree heat in 4lo, in the sun with AC cranked for the dog and idling for 20+ min at times. Temps held dead steady, aux fan kicked on and held temps perfect.

 

[Ayune]

My ScanGauge is what I use to monitor temps since, in my experience and others’, the gauge will finally move only when your temps are way too high. I once watched my SG water temp climb past 230F before my dash gauge started moving. (A new thermostat fixed my issue.)

I now see stable operating temps of 184F in normal conditions, and up to 190F with AC on and pulling a load. The dash gauge is pretty an ‘Engine On’ indicator.

 

[flintknapper]

My ScanGauge is what I use to monitor temps since, in my experience and others’, the gauge will finally move only when your temps are way too high. I once watched my SG water temp climb past 230F before my dash gauge started moving. (A new thermostat fixed my issue.)

I now see stable operating temps of 184F in normal conditions, and up to 190F with AC on and pulling a load. The dash gauge is pretty an ‘Engine On’ indicator.

^^^

Agreed,

Every dash gauge on every 80 and 100 series I've ever seen has a huge 'dead spot' wherein the needle is just flat paralyzed until the engine is on the cusp of overheating.

Scangauge or similar monitoring gadget is the way to go.

 

[Rpreme]

I also run a scangauge II. It gives you a real time temperature readings and will also diagnose a scan if needed. Reading engine temp is my thing, I never trust the cluster reading.

 

[landarcht]

Sounds ScanGauge is the way to go. Curious to find out where's the cleanest location to place the unit? Looks looks like Flintknapper has it above the rear view mirror? Just looking for a clean install where the cable can be as much hidden as possible.

 

[jLB]

Sounds Curious to find out where's the cleanest location to place the unit?

You’ve got a number of options (depending on year, and LC vs LX):

The cheap and simple “on top of the steering column”

Both @Ayune and @BenCC have “overhead mounts”.

@CruiserGarage has an “ashtray mount”

 

[flintknapper]

Sounds ScanGauge is the way to go. Curious to find out where's the cleanest location to place the unit? Looks looks like Flintknapper has it above the rear view mirror? Just looking for a clean install where the cable can be as much hidden as possible.

A number of places and ways it can be mounted. I wanted mine to appear to be as 'factory' as possible and also be in an area where I could get a quick glance at it while driving and not have to look down. To that end.....I used the excellent adapter created by @Ayune and installed it. Love it.