Hi so I have a 3.4 and want to install A aftermarket temp gauge , Does anyone know if it’s possible to wire in gauge to the stock Temp sensor thanks for any help

 

I don't think you can tap into either the 2 coolant temp sensors for an aftermarket gauge, but I'm unsure, I would think you would have to remove the factory temp gauge sensor on the rear and use the supplied sensor that comes with the aftermarket gauge as they are calibrated for the supplied gauge, or find a different location to add the aftermarket sensor, the rear sensor goes to the gauge and the front goes to the ecu to adjust fuel trims and warm up. Personally if it where me, I would buy the Scangauge II Ultra compact 3 in 1, it reads temp for the ECU from the front sensor in real time data that the ECU is reading and in real numbers if thats what you want it to display and much more including trans temps if set up to do so, a little crude looking but very effective and the prices have recently dropped on the Scangauge II. You will get a lot more real time data and use out of the ScanGauge for the money IMO.

 

Thank you for the reply , I think the scanner Would be a great , I was just looking for an easy way out since I already have an aftermarket gauge , and half the instrument cluster works lol , it’s a 84 ext Cab turned truggy with a 3.4 swap that was done before I got the truck

 

As long as the PO retained the OBDII ECU, OBD port and associated wires it should be plug and play. If you have a aftermarket gauge and sensor and want to use it you would have to tap into the coolant on the block somewhere away from the exhaust manifold, some aftermarket gauges are mechanical and some are electronic and you would need the correct sensor to go with the gauge so it was calibrated correctly, and even then depending on the quality of the gauge you would want another reference to determine if it is accurate, or check it in warm water using a quality thermometer throughout its range you would be using it to insure its accuracy. Many 3rd Gen owners use the ScanGauge II with good results, and since its uses the OEM ECU data you get a good idea of whats going on in real time.

EDIT: Another ambitious option is you could remove the gauge cluster and customize it with the gauges from a 3rd gen cluster and add your own wires to the back of the cluster circuit board to the correct circuit that operates each individual gauge if they fit in the non operational gauge locations, but you would be on your own figuring that out without damaging the active functions operation on the thin circuit board on the back of the cluster, would be a lot of work and research but look factory, it easy to damage the circuit board on the back of the cluster.