Can I install a temperature gauge on my vue? It doesn’t have one.

I don't trust lights and would like to actally see what temperature my vue is runming at rather than just a light popping on (according to the manual) when it over heats.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
You can either have an aftermarket gauge installed, or you can get a ScanGauge which I personally really like. They simply plug into your OBD service port, and feed a lot of useful vehicle information, including real time coolant temperature. That way you can easily monitor your vehicle for any abnormalities, drops in fuel economy, and even scan for fault codes. Then if you ever have any mechanical problems, you will be able to give the mechanic more useful advice to help diagnose the problem.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

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Why do many new cars not have engine temperature gauges? Because most drivers do not bother to look at gauges. They notice warning lights. So over the years, car manufacturers have added warning lights that indicate when your car is overheated, along with temperature gauges.
Though your engine was designed to withstand the heat, overheating is still possible and can cause some damage. That`s why your car`s dashboard includes an engine temperature gauge and/or a warning light to help you monitor the engine`s temperature and notify you when the temperature is out of the safe range.
If the engine temperature gauge on the dashboard reads say 1/3 or less after 5 to 10 minutes then your engines cooling system thermostat could be stuck open, or there could be an issue with the engine temperature gauge, its wiring, or the coolant temperature sensor used for the engine temperature gauge.
It most likely is the temperature sensor has failed or the temperature sensor wires are damaged (rodent damage). So first thing is check the coolant level in the morning and top off as needed. If it was low then you have a leak and must get it looked at to find and repair the leak.
The Thermocouple As A Temperature Sensor. The Thermocouple is by far the most commonly used type of all the temperature sensor types. Thermocouples are popular due to its simplicity, ease of use and their speed of response to changes in temperature, due mainly to their small size.
The temperature gauge in your vehicle is designed to measure the temperature of your engine`s coolant. This gauge will tell you if your engine`s coolant is cold, normal, or overheating. It is an important dial that is located on the dashboard of your vehicle.
The temperature gauge, most often located on your dashboard in your vehicle, is intended to show the temperature of your engine`s coolant. This indicator will let you know if your engine`s coolant is cold, normal, or overheating.
Temperature Gauge is Cold

While the average driver of a modern vehicle won`t have to worry about the engine running cold, certain high-performance vehicles may limit RPMs until the motor has warmed up. Even in winter`s coldest temperatures, it`s unnecessary to warm up your car.

The instrument cluster fuse, also known as the dashboard fuse, powers the gauges and displays on your vehicle`s dashboard. This includes the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge. If this fuse is damaged or blown, it can cause these gauges to stop working or malfunction.
Normal coolant temperature will be around 195 to 220 Fahrenheit (approx 90°C) and anything above or below this can start causing problems.
The temperature gauge, most often located on your dashboard in your vehicle, is intended to show the temperature of your engine`s coolant. This indicator will let you know if your engine`s coolant is cold, normal, or overheating.
Temperature gauges are built into the car`s instrument housing on the dashboard . The sensor unit, however, may be in one of several locations – the thermostat housing, the cylinder head or the upper radiator hose . In all cases the sensor is arranged so the coolant flows over it on the way out of the engine.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

Gas gauge isn’t working. Sometimes the speedometer and the temperature gauge doesn’t work. Limited lights around gauges and radio.
ANSWER : Hi there. The dashboard lights are burned out in the dash and the dimmer switch could be worn causing the lights to be weak. The gauges that seldom fail to work is most likely a loose wire in the dash panel. The fuel gauge that is not going to E when shutting off the car has a damaged rheostat within the sending unit. The sending unit is in the fuel tank attached to the fuel pump. If you need further assistance with your gauges not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

Can I install a temperature gauge on my vue? It doesn’t have one.
ANSWER : You can either have an aftermarket gauge installed, or you can get a ScanGauge which I personally really like. They simply plug into your OBD service port, and feed a lot of useful vehicle information, including real time coolant temperature. That way you can easily monitor your vehicle for any abnormalities, drops in fuel economy, and even scan for fault codes. Then if you ever have any mechanical problems, you will be able to give the mechanic more useful advice to help diagnose the problem.

My temperature gauge keeps making it look like my car is overheating the temperature gauge moves up to the red. I already changed the thermometer
ANSWER : Hey there. Your cooling system consists of several components. Thermostat, radiator, heater core, and water pump are just a few. Since the thermostat has been replaced, it is more than likely not the cause of the engine running hot. If any part of the cooling system like the radiator or heater are clogged, coolant will not circulate thought the system properly.

If the water pump is damaged internally – the impeller separated from the shaft or fell apart – this also could cause the coolant flow to be stopped. Other cooling system components, such as a bad radiator fan motor, relay, or coolant temperature sensor which sends a signal to the radiator fan to turn on can be at fault. Also, a leaking head gasket can cause the engine to run hot. Have a certified technician diagnose the running hot condition before replacing parts that may not solve the problem as that can become costly.

How do I get the maintenance required light to stop blinking and my temperature gauge to be normal?
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. The Toyota maintenance light is a reminder to get your oil changed. This light comes on periodically and needs to be reset with every oil change. As for the temperature gauge this is normal. The engine is cold when it is first started so it reads like this and as it runs it warms up and the gauge starts moving. This is normal. I would just have your oil change done when you get a chance. If you want to have your oil changed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to do this.

Temperature gauge does not work – 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
ANSWER : You will need to test the computer to scan for data of the temperature sensor to see if the computer is reading the correct temperature as tested externally on the coolant sensor. If the sensor is not accurate then replace the sender. If the sender is accurate then you will need to have the temperature gauge replaced.

I don’t know if I have two mufflers or one if I do have one what does the other one do ? Thank you.
ANSWER : When you look under the back of the car and you see only one pipe out the back then you have only one muffler and a resonator. The resonator is near the back and is used for lowering the exhaust noise more and giving it a better tone. If you see two pipes out the back then you may have only one muffler but two resonators. Next time you have a service done, then ask the mechanic to see what you have since there are different models of Accords and they may have different exhaust configurations.

Problem with the coolant temperature gauge.
ANSWER : Hi there. The temperature gauge is not grounding out to the vehicle chassis. Try putting an additional wire on the housing of the temperature gauge and grounding it to the chassis. If this has no effect, then the gauge is not working and would need replaced. If you need further assistance with your temperature gauge, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.

My turn light switch broke and I got a replacement. I did removed the broken one and installed the new one; however it doesnt blin
ANSWER : It would’ve been helpful to know the model of your car in order to check the wire diagram for the possible causes of the signals not flashing. Try turning on the 4 way flashers to see if they work and to see where the flasher is. Afterwards, turn off the flashers and turn the turn signal on and off to isolate the flasher for the turn signals and replace it accordingly. If you need some help with this, contact a certified mechanic who can diagnose your turning light issue and fix it accordingly.