Fitting 2 external air temp thermistors one to the ICE one to the inverter then switching them alternately into the outside air temp thermistor circuit should give a readout on the MFD (up to 99oC) of there respective temps making grill blocking safer. If this has already bean covered forgive me, i did search and found nothing.
+1 IIRC, a member has gotten digital temp reading from the inverter using an outside-the-oven display digital thermometer with a temp probe on the inverter. Something like this, ~$25 USD: [EDIT] Here it is: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-...ring-temperature-mgs-inverter.html#post735400
Hmmm...., the "old school" approach I think the OBDII bluetooth interface and mobile phone application Torque will suite better - you can monitor what do you like and without additional wiring.
Will this mess up your auto setting on climate controls? I imagine that it uses outside air temp to determine mixing. Also depending on where you are switching in, the ICE uses the outdoor air temp to determine A/F ratios I believe. I have no idea where this switch is taking place...
I have run this modification for over a year now with no problems. The climate control uses in cabin temperature sensors to control air mix, and although the engine ECU does measure outside air temp the closed loop exhaust monitoring takes car of fuel air ratios without problem. To save problems with switching I use a dual 555 timer IC set 3 seconds ICE temp, 5 seconds inverter temp, and 10 seconds outside air temp. Takes a little getting use to but is very effective as you soon get to know the sort of readings to expect and quickly notice anything out of the norm. When the grill is fully blocked the outside air temp reads high unless you move the sensor to a place where it can monitor outside air not under bonnet ( sorry hood ) temp.
