czenkov

I am interested in knowing if my gauge is not that accurate or if the engine is running hot in my 2004 Tacoma. Here is where the gauge sits driving or idling in 80 or 23 degree weather. Took 6 minutes of idling (clearing ice) and 3 minutes of driving stop and go at about 25mph to hit this mark - as usual. The RPM's reflect in park. Hoses warm/hot to touch but not burning. V6 Auto transmission. Thoughts? Also posted at Ih8.

scuba

That does look alittle above the halfway mark, Maybe get an infared and take temps inside, that way you know how hot it is...

04tacomatrd5speed

I have a 04 tacoma x-cab trd limited 3.4 with 5 speed 64000 miles the stock temp gauge is not more than halfway or just a hair below halfway in any driving conditions. I would make sure coolant is full... check with hydrameter to make sure coolant is not to thick should be a 50/50 mix. Also thermostat could be partically closed "sticking" or clutch fan is worn. I run a flex-a-lite 210/220 dual electric fans with variable speed controller it bolts right up and looks factory best mod I ever did and there are many. I picked up a 1/4 mile per gallon and the engine feels more responsive with less parasitic drag from the fan. If you have close to a 100k miles I would bet on the thernostat. good luck.

ARB1977

Seems normal to me.

czenkov

I bought it in September from a retiree and it only had 11,600 miles and it now has 15,000 miles. Just had 15k service - the belts squeak (not squeal) occasionally in the morning on startup - had belts tightened but this morning they were squeaky again - fades after warming up.

Like I said the engine gauge shows that temp at 75 or 25 miles per hour, 85 or 23 degrees. Is it possible this is just how this gauge registers?

I will try the temperature gun. Does anyone know if Autozone or Checkers does that for free or "rents" the gun?

Or anyone here local to SLC Utah have one?

Hopefully others will chime in with the "its normal" response. BTW sitting up in the seat gives it a more towards center appearance.

yotahog

I had the same thought about my 2004 Double Cab. I work at a Toyota dealership and had a very good Toyota Master Tech check mine out. He said it was fine, but it is always good to check, if you think it is questionable.

drewdoo

Wonder if it's something to do with the '04's. My '04 is the same way. Same motor, just a few more miles on mine (i'm at 84000). Mine also checked out as normal. I bet you're safe...

cosmophonic12

looks fine to me.

SoCalPaul

I suspect that gauge is not "calibrated". Your only choices are "cold", "hot" or "somewhere in between". All the Toyotas I've owned have the temp about halfway in between cold & hot. Yours looks fine, but if you're concerned, test it.

Paul

crolison

Mine always sits right below level, unless I over heat and when I do it just skyrockets to H.

From 160ish-220ish it stays in that position.

Get a scanguage its your best friend.

BigBallsMcFalls

ditto on the scanguage.



rpms
ignition advance
volts
tps
miles per hour
mpg
temp
codes
bunch of other stuff
programmable

no more guessing -how is it running ?-




and ditto on the needle just below level. for me that is 182-196, it has never gotten
hotter ever...in 10 years.

86tuning

That is exactly how the gauges are designed. And the engines don't care one way or the other. If the needle pegs hot, you have a problem. Otherwise, you're looking for a problem that isn't there.

atistang

i was wondering the same thing, i just got an 03 with 70k and the temp gauge sits right where yours does. I don't think its much of a problem, most factory temp gauges are just for reference.