05 Echo - Temperature Gauge

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

andrew@floatingbear.ca - 26 Apr 2006 15:53 GMT

I'm planning on doing some light towing with my 05 Echo (within the
750lb limit in the manual) and would like to be sure that I take a
break before my engine overheats.

Is there any way to install a temperature gauge without a lot of
effort? I'm slightly mechanically challenged but can manage
instructions of "connect the blue wire to the left terminal post) <g>.

Thanks

Andrew Butchart

Reply to this Message

Ray O - 26 Apr 2006 21:30 GMT

> I'm planning on doing some light towing with my 05 Echo (within the
> 750lb limit in the manual) and would like to be sure that I take a
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Andrew Butchart

I am not sure if the temperature sender is an on/off type or one that varies
its output signal. If the sender is an on/off type then you will have to
replace it with a variable one in order to install a temp gauge. If you
have and know how to use a volt meter, then measure the output of the temp
sender when it is a little warmed up. If it is more than 0 volts, then it
is variable and you can purchase an aftermarket temp gauge and follow the
installation instructions.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Reply to this Message

SAMMM - 26 Apr 2006 21:57 GMT

just watch for and heed the red warning light.
also you could put a warning light across the fan motor terminals,
at the fan motor connector.
this would alert you that the fan motor is on. it's not perfect but may give
a bit more info
than you'd have otherwise. don't forget you can also run the heater for
auxiliary cooling.
i've done a bit of towing with mine and i stay out of fifth gear on uphills.
that engine will happily run at 60+ mph in fourth and it won't hurt it a
bit.
just don't lug the engine, downshift if necessary to any gear that will
allow the engine to run freely.
i have 105,000+ miles on mine and i still love it.
(i hope yours is not automatic....)
good luck, sammm

Signature

zammy@pghmail.com

> I'm planning on doing some light towing with my 05 Echo (within the
> 750lb limit in the manual) and would like to be sure that I take a
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Andrew Butchart

Reply to this Message

andrew@floatingbear.ca - 27 Apr 2006 02:23 GMT

Thanks for the advice - I'll see if I can borrow a volt-meter otherwise
the warning light idea may well work too.

I'm up to about 125,000km (78,000miles) on my 05 after 17 months and am
pretty happy with it as well. I'm glad that in addition to being a
cheap way to get to work that it can also support my hobbies:

http://www.floatingbear.ca/pix/echo002.jpg
http://www.floatingbear.ca/pix/echo_Trailer%20003.jpg

Andrew Butchart

Reply to this Message

andrew@floatingbear.ca - 27 Apr 2006 03:14 GMT

Reply to this Message

Lee Richardson - 27 Apr 2006 14:41 GMT

No need to borrow a voltmeter when they are this inexpensive new.
http://ww2.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=90939 .
Sometimes they have similar models on special for as low as $2.95 but
without the 10 amp current function. Handy for a lot of things in addition
to your car. Not lab quality, but plenty good enough for most
applications.

Lee Richardson
Mech-Tech
Evansville, Indiana

> Thanks for the advice - I'll see if I can borrow a volt-meter otherwise
> the warning light idea may well work too.
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Andrew Butchart

Reply to this Message

andrew@floatingbear.ca - 27 Apr 2006 16:31 GMT

1001 uses for the voltmeter around the home I'm sure - I didn't realize
they were that inexpensive.

Does anyone happen to know where I'll find the temperature sender and
what it looks like?

Andrew B

Reply to this Message

Ray O - 27 Apr 2006 17:02 GMT

> 1001 uses for the voltmeter around the home I'm sure - I didn't realize
> they were that inexpensive.
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> Andrew B

The temperature sender is usually near or in the thermostat housing.
Follow this large diameter hose going from the top of the radiator to the
engine. The radiator hose is usually connected to the engine at the
thermostat housing, which looks like a removable bulge. The temperature
sender is about the size of your thumb and will be screwed into the bulge or
somewhere nearby and have 1 or 2 wires coming out of it.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

Reply to this Message

Wolfgang - 28 Apr 2006 02:26 GMT

I think the $ would be better spent on a bottle of "Water-Wetter" - it
actually works in transferring/conducting more heat out of radiator.

> I'm planning on doing some light towing with my 05 Echo (within the
> 750lb limit in the manual) and would like to be sure that I take a
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Andrew Butchart

Reply to this Message