Hi Everybody.

Its well known that (in contrary to the S4) the temp gauge from the S5 only has 3 positions - cold, normal, too hot. But I am used to the steady moving S4 temp gauge. Can I solve this problem in my new S5 by using a S4 temp sensor in the waterpump housing, or would I need a S4 temp gauge or both?

THX,

Harry

 

water temp gauge uses sensor in rear iron

S4 and S5 water temp gauge sensors are not same, not interchangeable

 

So whats the sensor in the waterpump housing for?

I knew that - damn it... So it isnt the gauges fault but the sensor?

Harry

 

sensor in waterpump housing is for ECU

S5 gauges works with S4 sensor, no problem, but it does not fit in S5 iron (its only fitting issue)

 

The sensors are just a simple thermistor, and not capable of providing the three-step operation of the S5 gauge. It's the gauge itself that does that.

If you want a linear temp gauge, get an aftermarket one.

 

The S5 and up temp sensors suck big time. I don't know if the S 1-4 one will work on the S5 engine.

But the S5 coolant temp gauge is much more accurate with a S 1-4 temp sensor.

I guess another example of Mazda cheaping out on the S5 models

 

Get an aftermarket water temp gauge, and you'll understand how bad the stock ones are...


-Ted

 

I love this attitude being that much of the stuff you cite when you make these claims was carried over to the S6 cars thus there is little basis for it being a cost cutting issue and more an end user issue. Not to hijack but i think most of the items you list when taken to task on you S5 bashing is either misunderstood as cost cutting when realy it can be consitered just a different design not necessarily a cost cutting issue.

IMO S5s have more advantages of S4s and I have owned both. Not to say there arent items that are better on the S4s but again IMO the S5s pluses over the S4s out weight the minuses.

 

No, the S6 uses the same lame sensor that Mazda had redesigned for the S5 models.

If they wanted the sensor to work more correct, on the FD they would have gone back to the S1 design.

It is well known that one of the FD's biggest issues was that it cost so much... Think of how much more it would have cost if they used better parts (of course it might not have been such a unreliable turd as well when comparied to other RX-7 models).

And your preferance for a S5 is fine... IMO They just are built cheaper heavier and not as well as the S4 models.

There are a couple of better things, like the S5 motors (but that was about it IMO), but don't take my word on it... The market spoke, when the car was new, as the whole 89-92 S5 sales were not as much as just the 87 model year alone.

 

Forget all the opinions, bottom line what is the best temp gage solution:
A. replacing the sensor and gage,
B. replacing the gage only, or
C. replacing the sensor only

1. What is the best gage to use as replacement and will it fit in the dash or must you change the A-pillar?
2. What is best temp sensor to use as a replacement that will fit the OEM sensor on the S5?

Lets get down to answers, costs, options

 

That was my point is that the S5 and S6 cars have the same temp sensor. Yes for the performance minded driver tinkerer it is crap. But for the everyday driver it worked fine with the gauge and was to keep the driver from panicing until they needed to panic and pull over. Wheather or not it acomplished that goal is debatabable. I know many belive that when the S5&6 temp gauges read "H" what it should realy read is "too late". I do not think this is a cost cutting item as I belive it was more expensive to have a steping gauge vs straight analog operation at that time.

I agree that the S5 gauges suck for our purposes (modifications, racing, or just being a more concious owner) but IMO the reasons for having an aftermarket gauge are the same regardles of if it is a steping gauge or the S4 full analog

 

IMNSHO the best thing to do is leave the stock gauge alone or use the tap for a new sensor and dissable the stock gauge. Buy an autometer analog temp gauge with sensor. Install how ever you wish without messing up the stock insturment cluster, kick the tires, and light the fires.

Autometer gauges are about the highest quality for your money. Sure you can spend alot more but for a dumb temp gauge you dont need to.

 

In case you didn't know, like the FD gauge, the S5 gauge can be modified to work in a linear fashion. I've posted the instructions in the past. After the gauge has been modified, it has to be calibrated. That's the biggest part of the mod. A $60 RAYTEK pyrometer works great for calibrating the gauge, but cheaper methods are available. This is a very inexpensive change.



The Southern California Beach BBQ is August 20th
The last biggie B4 SevenStock

 

Linearising the S6 guage requires mods to the gauge not the sensor. The sensor is a simple thermistor that changes resistance in a linear (actualy logarithmic) fashion as temp changes. It does not and cannot provide a 3-step output.

If the S6 gauge can be linearised, maybe the S5 one can too. Someone's just going to have to figure out how.