(Still a bit of a newbie, so be gentle). I know that the stock coolant temperature gauge is unreliable. My question is, is it the gauge itself that is the problem or the sender (or both)? I plan on putting another temp gauge in, but if I can use the stock gauge or sender then I'd like to. Has anyone done this, or why would I not want to? Thanks.

 

Anyone?

(if this is a stupid question, please let me know. Don't just give me the silent treatment )

 

look here, you have to right click and save target as:

http://us.share.geocities.com/sdrx7_...structions.pdf

the stock gauge is accurate, it responds exactly how mazda told it to. The gauge fix above essentially fixes the sender to be linear.

 

Wow! Thanks rynberg. That is a truly excellent write-up. Did you write it? Can't believe I haven't heard about that mod before. Do many people do it? (I'd like to hear from anyone else who has).

 

That mod is nice. I like to acutally see a number though so I use an aftermarket guage. If you get an aftermarket guage then you need to get an aftermarket sending unit.

 

hehe, no I did not write it up. I have tried as hard as possible to completely block out anything to do with electrical engineering...

It is a good mod and will certainly be accurate but I agree with Rated R1, I like being able to see a number instead of just an approximate temp. It is cheaper than buying a gauge and won't clutter up your interior though.

 

I went to check out that page, it says not available. Is there another way to get into it?

 

It's not a page, it's an Adobe PDF file. Right-Click on the link and select SAVE AS.

 

I made this mod about a year ago and have been very pleased. However, I went a step further by measuring my OEM sensor's acutal resistance vs temperature, and then use that when calibrating. Now I can very nearly tell the actual temperature, but still get to use the factory gauge. I've even looked in to adding numbers to the gauge face. I can send an Excel spreadsheet containg the details to anyone interested.