VDO temp gauge reads hot ecm reads normal

[Alaskabuick]

I have a aftermarket VDO Temp Guage Plumbed in to intake by T Stat housing. I was alarmed when it was reading 215-220. So I checked my scanmaster and it was reading 168.

Why the difference? Is it due to different locations of sensors?

Not sure which one to believe, however car seems to run fine and not act hot.


Thanks!

Dennis

 

[1952ray]

What do they read as the car is warming up?

 

[Alaskabuick]

What do they read as the car is warming up?

Humm.. good question. I think what your saying is do they correspond with each other as it is warming up?

 

[1952ray]

Humm.. good question. I think what your saying is do they correspond with each other as it is warming up?

Yes

 

[Alaskabuick]

Here are the warm up readings

VDO temp gauge VS Scanmaster
140 118

160 130

180 146

200 160

219 165


I shot the intake manifold with a laser temp gauge nest to both sensors for ECM and Manual Gauge and it read approx 120 deg on exterior when car is up to temperature. So it appears the car is not running real hot.

Open for input?

 

[1952ray]

I don't think the reading from the ECM is bad. More likely the sensor for the VDO gauge thats in the intake. Did this start suddenly?

 

[Alaskabuick]

I wish I could answer that but the car has not be drove in 3 years as it is basically a garage queen with 12k original miles. I don't remember a problem before, but then again I may not of been paying close attention.