[stonyt10]

I'm quite surprised to find that there is no coolant temperature gauge on this vehicle. Sure there are lights that tell you COLD or HOT, but I think it's important to be able to see when the coolant temp is indicating a problem before the engine is in crisis. Am I missing something? That's a little crazy.

I also would expect an oil pressure gauge on this vehicle, but it's not as critical as a temp gauge to me.

 

[YeahJamal]

seriously? i didnt notice this.. as my car is yet to come.. going to recieve it by end of this weekend..

 

[lexicon]

Am I missing something? That's a little crazy.

I also would expect an oil pressure gauge on this vehicle, but it's not as critical as a temp gauge to me.

No, that's how it is - no temperature gauge. It's the first vehicle I've owned that doesn't have one and it takes a bit of getting used to. But then again, in the last 20 years I've only had one overheat. Even then the temp gauge didn't help as there was no coolant at all so there was nothing to measure - the gauge crept up slowly to about 1/3rd scale, by which time the engine was cooked.

Not much is fitted with an oil pressure gauge these days.

My Garmin SatNav can display the water temp (amongst other things) using an OBD interface so there are alternatives.

 

[stonyt10]

seriously? i didnt notice this.. as my car is yet to come.. going to recieve it by end of this weekend..

Don't worry, the lack of a temp gauge will be the last thing you think about when you start driving this car. It's nothing but fun!

 

[Saulutations]

My Garmin SatNav can display the water temp (amongst other things) using an OBD interface so there are alternatives.

I have a Gamin and had no idea that they did this. Is this OBD interface a program that you could download if you purchase it from their website?

 

[RichXKU]

Since this is relevant, the CR-Z "COLD" light goes out at 125°F, but the engine is not actually warm (normal temp) until 175-180. So I would take it easy until the light has been off for several minutes.

Get a Scangauge or Ultragauge to get more useful info out of the car.

 

[stephenfsnow]

Heh, I never even noticed the missing coolant gauge either. Actually I had to sit and think for a minute if my previous Accord and Civic had them. They did of course, but that goes to show how much I actually paid attention to it or even cared that it was there.

I did find the presence of the "low temp" warning light interesting. I guess it's just there to tell you "hey, you probably won't get the best mpg right now."

 

[mikev]

I have a Gamin and had no idea that they did this. Is this OBD interface a program that you could download if you purchase it from their website?

Most Garmin Nuvi models with both their EcoRoute capability and Bluetooth have the ability to use a wireless OBD module that Garmin also makes. They call it "Ecoroute HD", which gives additional dashboard gauges (like coolant temp), as well as more detailed/accurate information regarding acceleration/deceleration, used as part of the Ecoroute score.

 

[lexicon]

Most Garmin Nuvi models with both their EcoRoute capability and Bluetooth have the ability to use a wireless OBD module that Garmin also makes. They call it "Ecoroute HD", which gives additional dashboard gauges (like coolant temp), as well as more detailed/accurate information regarding acceleration/deceleration, used as part of the Ecoroute score.

:yeahthat:
You can also read/reset error codes and such with it.

 

[YeahJamal]

Well I just got a garmin gps as a gift last week..not sure which model tho..but ill give it a check..but one thing for sure It does has the eco challange tool..but haven't seen the other features yet..I might not yet play around with the gps.. Haha..

Thanks for the info..

 

[namtaB]

Since this is relevant, the CR-Z "COLD" light goes out at 125°F, but the engine is not actually warm (normal temp) until 175-180. So I would take it easy until the light has been off for several minutes.

Get a Scangauge or Ultragauge to get more useful info out of the car.

Good advice. I like how in the BMW M models the yellow zone is high when you start the car then as the engine gets progressively warmer it lowers until redline.

 

[Saulutations]

Most Garmin Nuvi models with both their EcoRoute capability and Bluetooth have the ability to use a wireless OBD module that Garmin also makes. They call it "Ecoroute HD", which gives additional dashboard gauges (like coolant temp), as well as more detailed/accurate information regarding acceleration/deceleration, used as part of the Ecoroute score.

Bummer, I bought one without Bluetooth because my car already has a Bluetooth. I do have EcoRoute so I'll see if it would work with my device. I doubt it though because I am assuming that the Garmin's Bluetooth is what collects the data from the wireless OBD.

 

[ffearless]

I use the Ultra-gauge with mine. It gives lots of information and has programmable alarms.

 

[stonyt10]

I just noticed that on page 73 in my owner's manual it states that the hot (H) coolant light actually does indicate increasing temperatures. "Blinks when the coolant temperature goes up, and stays on if the temperature continues to rise." Well, that's still kind of vague, but when the light starts blinking that means you're not yet in crisis mode and not yet causing damage. I guess we can think of blinking to indicate that we're on the path to overheating, so stop as soon as you can and check things out. When it stays on solid then it's behaving just like a typical hot light.

 

[_JB_]

I'm quite surprised to find that there is no coolant temperature gauge on this vehicle. Sure there are lights that tell you COLD or HOT, but I think it's important to be able to see when the coolant temp is indicating a problem before the engine is in crisis. Am I missing something? That's a little crazy.

I also would expect an oil pressure gauge on this vehicle, but it's not as critical as a temp gauge to me.

Oil pressure is more critical than temp. You can kill an engine quick with no oil, whereas overheating you can get further, let it cool, add pretty much any liquid in an emergency, ect. An oil gauge can tell you the health on the engine as well.

But regardless, most everyday cars do not have these gauges anymore.

 

[stonyt10]

Oil pressure is more critical than temp. You can kill an engine quick with no oil, whereas overheating you can get further, let it cool, add pretty much any liquid in an emergency, ect. An oil gauge can tell you the health on the engine as well.

But regardless, most everyday cars do not have these gauges anymore.

Yeah, I misspoke there. I meant that I personally don't find the oil pressure gauge to be more helpful than the oil light. If there's an oil pressure problem then you're left with no options - you shut off the car and transport to a dealer. However, I find it helpful to have a temp gauge because you can make a sound judgement call based on what the gauge is doing when things get abnormal, and possibly save yourself some headaches. With the CR-Z, when that light comes on I will shut it down and transport to the dealer because I won't know exactly what the situation is.