Hi all,
I searched, but did not see a definitive answer for this:

Is the temp gauge a true temperature gauge, or does it not show every variation in temperature?

For example, in my 96 mustang GT, the temp gauge was a true gauge, and would show the car running hot in extreme hot temps in summer. After discussing with the service dept and researching to correlate the gauge with actual coolant temps, it was nice to have.

I think it was in 97 and beyond, but at some point after that - Ford modified the gauge, so that it basically did not rise above the normal point, unless the coolanttemperature had risen significantly - basically turning the gauge into a glorified idiot light.

The main reason for asking is I notice the coolant seems to come up to temp much more quickly (granted a V6 would likely have less thermal mass than a larger V8) - it would be nice to know when the engine is truly up to operating temperature so I could drive more aggressively.

I thought I read somewhere there is an oil temp sensor - if true, it's a shame that both coolant and oil temps aren't available - on the center display between the gauges would be great....

thanks
tex

 

I would also like to know this......