How/Where could we install a coolant temperature sender for an aftermarket gauge?

You don't want to try Torque Pro or Hybrid Assistant that use already existing technology?

 

Like Ray says, get an app that reads temperature and dozens of other parameters from the OBD plug. A ScanGuage is a good choice for a permanent display. Plug it in and watch your 4 favorite digital gauges while you drive.

 

If a working motor is put in, not sure why would you need to keep an eye on temp at all times unless it’s prone to overheat again. But then more hidden information will probably be revealed once I posted this, like the no app!!! haha.

 

That's what I do.

 

For a matter of preference, some drivers like gauges. You've seen them built either on the dashboard, under the dashboard or, along the window seam on the drivers side. When you have a gauge, its on, all the time, ready for you to read it. Some people like it this way. I can see it either way, but, coming from old school, I like gauges. For us old schoolers, we think about gauges the same way we look and think about the speedometer. We need it on, all the time, ready to look at it.

 

A gauge is new school?

 

Someone raised virtually the same question recently. The discussion was very similar. I really wish there was a way to get through to Toyota; most any econobox has a coolant temp gauge in the dash, or used to. Maybe a thing of the past??

 

Yeah, that data is already in the canbus system so you just need to access it. App is the easiest but as in your case not the best way. I use my old scangauge II but there are newer cheaper variants out there. Search "OBD water temperature" and you'll get results such as this:

"supported Vehicles -- For petrol vehicle with standard OBD-II protocol, especially for vehicle without water temperature gauge"

and

GOOD LUCK!

 

I had problems with a constantly connected ScanGauge, "check hybrid system" alerts and return to defaults brakes. Had to discontinue. YMMV.

 

I wished, and feel every car should have at LEAST a Temp gauge. But also an oil pressure gauge.
It would only add less than $10-20, maybe less, to the cost of making the car....

 

Have you tried updating the SG firmware?

 

Pretty much. They've been selling the Prius for how long and it's only generated this little demand for adding a gauge? Clearly the car doesn't need it.

Don't get me wrong, I like them, and I think @NorCal PiP should probably pay attention to the temperature of the coolant coming out of the heater core back to the engine- my vote for appropriate sampling point, anyway.

 

No I haven't, that's a thought.

Still, mechanic at dealership had Techstream hooked up (with last Check Hybrid System event), and noted when he jiggled the obd cable he was getting drop outs. Seems like constant weight of a cable on tha port was the culprit. Years later sans SG bears that out: no further problems.

Coolant temp data is being monitored by the car, and I think it would be relatively trivial (for Toyota) to add a coolant display. Would be a feature that would attract me.

Remember driving our daughter-in-law's Sunfire to Costco for a flat repair once, muttering "even this sh*t-box has a temp gauge...".

 

This how we all rolled back in the day. Oil pressure gauge and temperature gauge was the norm. Course, our cars were in need of these due to the type of upgrades done on our cars and the like.

 

It would be too distracting to look at critical gauges while driving because we’re trying to send text messages and drink coffee while keeping hands on 10 and 2. A Recipe for disaster if you ask me