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[F1 9LFG]

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)



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

[waspy]

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

[F1 9LFG]

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??!! 

[waspy]

I agree mate. Everyone's doing it. A few quid on a few hundred thousand vehicles is errrr alot

[andyc]

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

[F1 9LFG]

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

[Andy B]

......
 Is buying a universal temp sensor and drilling a new hole somewhere possible?

Cheers

I can't think of another way 

[Del Boy]

I wouldn't even bother with the hassle to be honest. Enjoy the car, worry about a problem when it arises 

[F1 9LFG]

I wouldn't even bother with the hassle to be honest. Enjoy the car, worry about a problem when it arises 

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

?

[F1 9LFG]

......
 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!!

[F1 9LFG]

and google is littered with people stating that a new engine is required after the light came on too late! 

[Brikhead]

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...

[mantahatch]

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.

[Andy B]

.....
 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 

[hoody]

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