Ok, sorry to sound so dense here. But I went out and took the paper I wrote down what the gauges should read and took son's Tahoe for a drive. Everything is OK --I think. You see, I can't read the temp gauge!It starts out with a big line and that is 100. Then there are some little lines and another big line that is--nothing--no number there. Then more little lines and then a big one with 210 on it. Then more little lines followed by a big line, then more little lines and then a BIG RED LINE. Now, I know THAT one is BAD, but I don't understand what the other un-numbered ones are. I tried counting the lines in between--figuring maybe its 5, 10, 15, 20 ...but no-that wasn't it. How about 10,20,30..no that's not it either. So please explain to me on the gauge where the optimum 180-190 would be--linewise.[&o]Is it ok for it to get hotter than 190? When should I become suspicious? I know the minivan I had ran at a certain place all the time but then started running much hotter--like halfway on the gauge. I sold it![>:]

 

Typically GM has the normal operating points at the top of the gauge, that is needle approx. straight up. Computer controlled cars are set to run around 190-210.

 

Important thing to remember, that the dash gauge is not precise, but it will give you an idea of what's going on so that you can use more precise methods for measuring the temperature if you see something unusual with the gauge.

First, take the large number and subtract the smaller number. This gives you the difference (the gap) between the two big lines. Take that difference and divide by the number of small lines in between the two big lines. That will give you an estimate of how many degrees between each small line. Once you know that, it's a matter of adding enough small lines from the lower large line until you equal 180-190.

 

[]You mean I have to do MATH???