>>It's a poor design feature
Actually, it isn't.
The coolant temperature is still being sensed - by the ECU. The ECU also controls the thermostat.
If there's a fault in the circuit, the ECU warns you.
If there's a coolant temperature problem, the dashboard warning light comes on.
So, instead of an entirely fallible human who might look at the engine temperature gauge every now and again, the system is being monitored many times a second by a device which does not tire and does not get distracted.
It's an excellent design feature, which removes meaningless and distracting clutter from the dashboard, yet provides a clear and stark warning if there's a problem.
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The coolant temperature is still being sensed - by the ECU. The ECU also controls the thermostat.
Are you sure there isn't a traditional thermostat?
Another benefit of a guage (and additionally an oil temperature guage) is to advise when the engine is up to operating temperature and ready to use the upper end of the rev range, give it some beans, have some fun, italian tune up or thrash it (depending on your terminology).
My mainstream family sized hatchback has both oil and water temperature guages. Invaluable in my opinion. Unless you don't care about premature engine wear.
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I at one time,owned three XR2's consecutively;the middle one heated up much more quickly than it's predecessor and successor,not just on heater output but also on the temperature gauge.I can only put it down to bottom limit leak-by on the thermostat and bottom limit casting thickness on the cylinder head.
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>>Are you sure there isn't a traditional thermostat?
I can't guarantee that there is not a traditional thermostat, because I haven't worked on one, but I was told that the thermostat is ECU controlled by a Vauxhall mechanic whom I trust.
>>Invaluable in my opinion. Unless you don't care about premature engine wear.
No, I don't care - mainly because I don't think it's a big issue anymore. If it were such a worrysome problem, the Technical section of this forum would be over-run with questions about re-bores and requests to recommend engine reconditioners.
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If it were such a worrysome problem the Technical section of this forum would be over-run with questions about re-bores and requests to recommend engine reconditioners.
Very true. At one time the small of burning oil from an exhaust was quite common even after the MOT emissions test came in to take these off the road sooner rather than later. Now a smoking exhaust seems very uncommon.
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If there's a fault in the circuit the ECU warns you.
Thats ok but a gauge fitted would have been better than a light that comes on just before it goes bang! lol
At least you can see it creeping up to the red so you can check a few things first, seems a stupid way to me but thats my opinion.
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