I read in another posting that the computer tells the temp gauge what to display independent of actual temperature. I have now witnessed that. I'm troubleshooting an overheating problem and had an OBD-II reader connected. The reader showed readings up to 235deg and the dash gauge showed perfectly centered. I know the gauge will show hot, because it will occasionally wander up until it turns on the red HOT light. ( I cant tell at what temp because the OBD-II reader tops out at 240 deg.)

Does Jaguar think owners want things to look "perfect" until the temp is so high you need to immediately pull over and shut down instead of warning that things are not normal?

Or is there a reason I'm overlooking?

 

The Jaguar engineers felt that in a high-end GT car the gauges should always read "NORMAL". One of our members does sell a kit called "Real Gauge" which several of us have installed. It will alert you to an over heating problem. Once the red light comes on it's usually too late!

XK8 / XKR / XJ RealGauge - TheJagWrangler

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...nstall-208173/

 

 

The gauge works as it does because someone made a decision that to us on here was terrible. Presumably we're not what Jaguar thinks are typical owners.

So, work around it in whatever way suits you - OBD or whatever.

 

when i first got my car it overheated....i saw this, got home....water pump, coolant pipe, and thermostat later with new coolant, it was fine.
the gauge is just a bit better than an idiot light, it moves very very fast when it over heats...you just have to watch it. or do what others recommend and install the real gauge thing.

 

Here is the grand old 'Folly of the Temperature Gauge' thread from 2011 with more info that you ever wanted on the subject! https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...e-gauge-62813/ . It is also what inspired the development of RealGauge over 6 years ago, which never would have happened without this forum. We are approaching 1000 units sold and many engine 'saves'.

 

Waited longer than I should have, but just purchased my RealGauge this week, installed it this afternoon, thanks Steve, good feeling to know I now have an accurate temp gauge!

Cheers, BK