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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: F1 9LFG on 06 June 2012, 21:05:39

Title: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: F1 9LFG on 06 June 2012, 21:05:39
Hi all,

Just about to pick up a new car for SWMBO, a 2006 Astra H 1.9CDTI estate to replace an older astra which we currently have.

Now, having researched this car prior to buying it I have found discovered a little problem (well a big one in my eyes)

There is NO coolant temp gauge! (see below pic)

(http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z467/sniper441/INSIDE10.jpg)

I know the temp can be accessed via the on-board options but this needs setting everytime you turn the ignition on - not ideal.

So I'd like to instal a temp gauge but not a 52mm boy-racer style, more like this

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-LCD-Thermometer-Temperature-Meter-Gauge-C-F-PC-MOD-Water-proof-probe-/330744367539?pt=US_Weather_Meters&hash=item4d01e689b3

But how do I go about the sensor side of things? I'd guess I'd have to drill into the stat housing and screw in a retro sensor? Does anyone know if I can just cut and join the wires to a screw-in type of sensor or is it more involved?

Open to suggestions as somehow I need a constant coolant temp reading viewable easilly while driving.

Can't understand why Vauxhall didn't fit one from the factory - There is a light that comes on when the coolant temp exceeds 125'c but I don't want to wait til my coolant is that hot! at 125'c there is obviously a problem which could have done £'s worth of damage before I'm made aware of it by a little light on the dash!

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: waspy on 06 June 2012, 21:14:00
There's alot of manufactures that don't fit temp gauges. I remember my x girlfiends 1998 Punto didn't have one.

It's called progress or is it cost cutting ::) ::)
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: F1 9LFG on 06 June 2012, 21:16:59
There's alot of manufactures that don't fit temp gauges. I remember my x girlfiends 1998 Punto didn't have one.

It's called progress or is it cost cutting ::) ::)

I suspect - but for the sake of a few quid at the most - honestly??!!  >:(
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: waspy on 06 June 2012, 21:22:16
I agree mate. Everyone's doing it. A few quid on a few hundred thousand vehicles is errrr alot ;D
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: andyc on 06 June 2012, 21:45:13
Its a complete Can Bus system so you can't cut into the wiring for the other sensors. The sensors in the stat assy run the ecu which in turn run the fans.

If you want to fit a temp gauge then its going to have to be a stand alone system

Andy
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: F1 9LFG on 06 June 2012, 22:09:49
Its a complete Can Bus system so you can't cut into the wiring for the other sensors. The sensors in the stat assy run the ecu which in turn run the fans.

If you want to fit a temp gauge then its going to have to be a stand alone system

Andy
Thought as much  :(

Any idea how I can do this then? Is buying a universal temp sensor and drilling a new hole somewhere possible?

Cheers
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: Andy B on 06 June 2012, 22:19:53
......
 Is buying a universal temp sensor and drilling a new hole somewhere possible?

Cheers

I can't think of another way  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: Del Boy on 06 June 2012, 22:26:54
I wouldn't even bother with the hassle to be honest. Enjoy the car, worry about a problem when it arises  :y
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: F1 9LFG on 06 June 2012, 22:40:26
I wouldn't even bother with the hassle to be honest. Enjoy the car, worry about a problem when it arises  :y

If the car dumps the coolant through a split hose etc I'd only notice when the light came on saying ''I'm at 125'c'', I'd pull over and find I've melted a piston or two...not good.

Maybe this would be better http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ScanGauge2-Trip-computer-fuel-meter-scan-tool-for-SMART-/180587708590?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item2a0bddc0ae

? ???
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: F1 9LFG on 06 June 2012, 22:41:48
......
 Is buying a universal temp sensor and drilling a new hole somewhere possible?

Cheers

I can't think of another way  :-\ :-\

No such word as ''Can't'' well so my boss keeps telling me!!
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: F1 9LFG on 06 June 2012, 22:42:38
and google is littered with people stating that a new engine is required after the light came on too late!  :( :o
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: Brikhead on 06 June 2012, 23:32:08
V.W. have the best 'no temperature gauge' system I've seen, the coolant light stays blue until the engine is up to operating temp...
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: mantahatch on 07 June 2012, 09:10:34
I suppose they are pandering to the idiots. Most people never look at a temp gauge until it is to late. And with todays minimum coolant engines generally speaking the head gasket will have blown or worse before most people will even notice there is a problem.

We run 2 Astra MK5s and you soon get very used to no gauge, bit like the indicators, you might find them a pain to start with but once used to them they are brilliant in my opinion.
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: Andy B on 07 June 2012, 10:20:58
.....
 bit like the indicators, you might find them a pain to start with but once used to them they are brilliant in my opinion.

I like the Astra H lane change indicators, but it seems that Vx have removed them from the current Astra  ??? ???
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: hoody on 07 June 2012, 11:10:14
something like this you need ,my mate done it to his viano.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Radiator-Hose-Adaptor-Temperature-Guage-Sensor-36mm-/110393971250?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19b3fe5232
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: mantahatch on 07 June 2012, 11:25:58
.....
 bit like the indicators, you might find them a pain to start with but once used to them they are brilliant in my opinion.

I like the Astra H lane change indicators, but it seems that Vx have removed them from the current Astra  ??? ???

Removed them so dumb drivers will buy the Astra mk6  ;D Can't say I like mk6 myself, it reminds to much of the mk3 and I did not like that one. Oh well looks like she may have to keep her mk5 till the mk7 comes along  ;D
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: Andy B on 08 June 2012, 01:18:32
If it's any consolation, my 'my new car' (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=103624.0) doesn't have an engine temp gauge either, although you can get a display if you press enough buttons on the steering wheel.  ;) ;)
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: henryd on 08 June 2012, 14:21:05
If it's any consolation, my 'my new car' (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=103624.0) doesn't have an engine temp gauge either, although you can get a display if you press enough buttons on the steering wheel.  ;) ;)

For what that car cost new I would of expected a gauge :-\
Title: Re: Astra H (mk5) Coolant help please!
Post by: F1 9LFG on 08 June 2012, 18:44:08
If it's any consolation, my 'my new car' (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=103624.0) doesn't have an engine temp gauge either, although you can get a display if you press enough buttons on the steering wheel.  ;) ;)

For what that car cost new I would of expected a gauge :-\

Likewise!  :o