Install of Water Temp Gauge

[jramosGT]

In my '03 GT I'm planning to istall a boost gauge and a water temp gauge on a A-pillar dual pod. Looking at the 2003 manual, it reads, "The ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor provides an input to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).... The ECT sensor provides input for various PCM operations. The PCM uses the input to control air-fuel mixture, timing, and radiator fan on/off times. The PCM uses ECT sensor input to end messages over the PCI bus for temperature gauge operation."

The electrical water temp gauge I have requires me to install a different temp senor in place of the OE unit. From the above that doesn't sound like a very good idea. Any opinion if I can do one of two things:
1. Just tap into the wire of the OE unit to feed a signal to the aftermatket gauge. What info (reistance?) do I need to determine this?
2. Replace the OE ECT sensor with the aftermarket sensor, and tap into that for the PCM feed.

The first sounds more reasonable than the second.

Or should I just install a voltmeter instead of a temp or pressure gauge?


Jumpin' Joe
Onyx Green GT

[PT4U2NV]

I had my dealer install Water, Oil and Volt Gauges ( Auto- Meter)on the A Pillar pod and I told them I wanted all the original gauges to function also ( Because I was worried the 'puter would not get the info it needed) They accomplished it by putting t-fittings on all the sensors so now both the original and secondary gauge both are functional.

[JOEM]

Instead of a water temperature gauge (which you have, sorta, already), I'd install an oil pressure gauge along with the boost gauge. Lowering oil pressure is one thing you definitely want to know about!