Coolant temp alarm

[kteare]

My 23-year-old Spyder went through a rough patch where coolant hoses failed quite regularly. While looking for a warning unit that was inexpensive but would still fit somewhere useful, I found an overheating controller that gives early warning (audible alarm) when coolant temps reach a programmed threshold. Did I mention it's cheap?

I have no more room for “real” gauges (full pillar pods/cluster pods) but had space under my stereo head unit. This watchdog box fit perfectly in the stereo under-storage shelf. The alarm is loud enough that I can hear it with the top down and music blasting.

Cost: $54 delivered + connector cost. The 2-wire sensor cable easily bolted to the thermostat housing and runs unnoticed through the hole all the other gauge wires go through. To make sure I could remove the console when needed, I added a 4-wire quick disconnect. Super simple installation and programming.

Link

 

[pauleyman]

Add dsmlink and you can trigger the check engine light

 

[spyderdrifter]

What I find odd it that unit's threshold is 230°. My Talon that I scrapped earlier this year would constantly run up to 240° before the temp gauge ever decided there was a problem. I know the temp because I had my scanner plugged in the read the temp. With this in mind, what temp is your car running at while it's overheating? Is this unit worth the (minor) cost when the overheat temp could potentially be higher than this device will tell you? It's a good idea, but this unit might be lacking.

 

[kteare]

What I find odd it that unit's threshold is 230*. My Talon that I scrapped earlier this year would constantly run up to 240* before the temp gauge ever decided there was a problem. I know the temp because I had my scanner plugged in the read the temp. With this in mind, what temp is your car running at while it's overheating? Is this unit worth the (minor) cost when the overheat temp could potentially be higher than this device will tell you? It's a good idea, but this unit might be lacking.

I agree with you on the max temp barrier. It's not a precise sensor, doesn't measure actual coolant temps, and gives me notice of temp creep. I have my high set at 200 and haven't hit it yet. I'm not sure what my temps were while overheating b/c I didn't have this unit at the time.

I'm sure this unit wouldn't be a consideration for hardcore DSMers with high-tech aftermarket connectivity.

 

[spyderdrifter]

Makes sense, but having your alarm set to 200° seems pointless? Normal running temp for these engines is 210° so it would alert you even at the normal temp range. However, I see your point, so even at normal temp, you'd at least be aware.