Trani Temp Readout vs Gauge

[Vman52]

Hello,
I've noticed that my trani temp readout in my '16 3.7L automatic registers reliable temperatures. The digital gauge side of the temperature readout stops at 148 to 150 degrees with the needle at the 12 o'clock position. As the readout rises the gauge side of the system remains at the 12 o'clock position no matter how hot the trani gets. Has anyone come across this? I'm avoiding the dealer at this time until I get more info.
Photos Attached.
Thanks - Happy Motoring
-v-

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[Cobra Jet]

You are experiencing the "idiot" gauge when viewing the "needle" readout. Most factory needle gauges, such as the older analog gauges were idiot gauges...

Meaning there was never a true numeric temp associated with the gauge results, it was always:

Low (cold)
Normal (middle and within factory specified operating temps)
High (warning)

The old analog needle gauges were moved by a pressure switch "on" or "off" based on either thermal temps or fluid pressure. Once the engine got to whatever it's normal operating temp was, the needle always read in the middle, as long as there was no failure of the switch or components the switch monitored.

The "digital" needle gauge format works the same way - EXCEPT instead of an "on"/"off" pressure switch, it's now a sensor which feeds the thermal temp or pressure data values back to the ECM, which then is interpreted by the gauge. Again, as long as the vehicle is operating within the "normal" ranges as designed, the digital needle gauge is always going to read in the middle.

If you want actual "numeric values" of whatever you are monitoring, either use the digital numeric readout OR get an aftermarket temp gauge and install it if you want genuine accuracy over the idiot needle gauge OR the actual numeric values you see on the other display.

 

[Vman52]

Hi Phil
Thank you for the input. It is appreciated.
However as a programmer from the 70's, yes we had computers way back then - I'm old, I see no reason for the gauge to stop at the half way mark.
The gauge does in fact creep up with fine resolution with temperature increases, it's not a Low Med High gauge as the older analogs. It should continue it's sweep in cadence with the digital numeric read out.
Not doing so, in my experience, is a fault in the programming.
I think I'll send a letter to Ford about this and see what they say.
Meantime I'll monitor the digital numeric readout for the correct temps.
Again, thanks for the feedback my friend,
Happy Motoring
Vince

 

[Cobra Jet]

No probs Vince - I share your concerns as I would have thought the digital "needle" gauges would have been more informative with say numeric values attached or at least generate a little more activity when monitoring them in a "live" situation.

Just curious - have you checked all of your other needle gauge displays to see if they function the same - or if they are actually responding to input values you see on the numeric display (or perhaps while the car is in motion, any movement of the needles)?

 

[Vman52]

I'm gonna check the other dial gauges this week to see if they sweep properly. Then I'll contact Ford about it to see if they want to address the issue. If not I'll consider an add on for the trani and pop it in the center ac vent.

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