HELP ME: Request for tech information: (Re: temperature gauge)

Shellcaptain · 01-28-2009, 03:55 PM

My smart center said they could install a temperature gauge for me. So, I bought an Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II (#4937), electric, short sweep, with a pedestal mount (#49008). Then, I spent a whole morning at the dealer and the job didn't get done. Apparently, I need a T-shaped temperature sending unit connector--the male side screws into the block and the two female ends on the T are plugged with the sending units (I guess) wherein a wire off of one goes to the gauge, and the wire off of the other goes to the warning light on the dash. They said that was the only way it would work. Fine, but the dealer couldn't tell me what size threads I needed on the new T-connector for the block side, because they didn't have the info in their parts data base. One option was to leave the car there, remove the temperature sending unit, and take the sending unit with me from place to place to match the metric threads to a T-connector--not a good option, I need my car. The other option was to buy a sending unit and take it with me so I could use it to match up threads with a T-connector. But they didn't have one in stock, and I wasn't sure I wanted to spend $120 for one, anyway. So, I went to the auto parts store, and they couldn't find any information in their data base, either. I went to a Mitsubishi dealer parts dept. (since Mitsubishi makes the smart's engine), and they couldn't find any info either (he said probably only the manufacturer of the car would have the info). So, here I am, I spent $100 on the gauge and the mount, and can go no further until someone tells me what size T-connector I need to buy (and where to buy it). My terminology or nomenclature above might not be correct, but I hope you'll understand what I am talking about. Again, the Smart Service Center doesn't have the info. HELP ! (Shellcaptain@sbcglobal.net)

VinceLA · 01-28-2009, 04:00 PM

Still trying to understand your paragraph there...

So when you tagged this as "engine temp", you referring to the oil temp or coolant temp?

I have a gauge that monitors both engine oil temp and coolant temp. So I have experiences what parts to get or modify etc.

brian r · 01-28-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceLA

Still trying to understand your paragraph there...

So when you tagged this as "engine temp", you referring to the oil temp or coolant temp?

I'm guessing coolant temp, since the dealer told him that one lead had to go to the warning light on the dash cluster. I doubt there's an unused oil temp warning light in there.

This shouldn't be difficult to get up and running.

SmartTech · 01-28-2009, 04:23 PM

did you ever get the threads measured for pitch and diameter (ie 12x1.5) or is it metric pipe thread?

cubefx · 01-28-2009, 04:40 PM

Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II (#4937) is electric water temperature gauge. For that price and hassle, it is MUCH easier to buy ScanGauge II and it will show you water temperature and much more right out of the box in 10 seconds.

CUBE

jetfuel · 01-28-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubefx

Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II (#4937) is electric water temperature gauge. For that price and hassle, it is MUCH easier to buy ScanGauge II and it will show you water temperature and much more right out of the box in 10 seconds.

CUBE

...ring the bells....we have a winner....well said CUBE...

jetfuel

jonnysan · 01-28-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmartTech

did you ever get the threads measured for pitch and diameter (ie 12x1.5) or is it metric pipe thread?

As metric pipe thread, Smarttech. Metric straight thread such as what's found on bolts is as you have illustrated above. Another popular Japanese pipe thread is ISO. BSPT (British Standard Pipe Tapered) is another and BSP (British Straight Pipe) is usually used with a face seal o-ring. If it is ISO, the fitting will have an "RT" stamped on the hex of the fitting.

Some standardization, huh?

pitstopautoinc · 02-01-2009, 06:22 PM

shellcaptain i have all autometer gauges in my smart... their tach, their shift light, their digital controller, their oil pressure, and their water temp. maybe my threads can help you:
Adding Autometer Gauges to your Smart Fortwo
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...earchid=655883

VinceLA · 02-05-2009, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian r

I'm guessing coolant temp, since the dealer told him that one lead had to go to the warning light on the dash cluster. I doubt there's an unused oil temp warning light in there.

This shouldn't be difficult to get up and running.

lol! I read his lines too fast...

I replied his PM. Never heard back. Hope he got his parts all sorted out.

brockins · 02-09-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shellcaptain

My smart center said they could install a temperature gauge for me. So, I bought an Auto Meter Ultra-Lite II (#4937), electric, short sweep, with a pedestal mount (#49008). Then, I spent a whole morning at the dealer and the job didn't get done. Apparently, I need a T-shaped temperature sending unit connector--the male side screws into the block and the two female ends on the T are plugged with the sending units (I guess) wherein a wire off of one goes to the gauge, and the wire off of the other goes to the warning light on the dash. They said that was the only way it would work. Fine, but the dealer couldn't tell me what size threads I needed on the new T-connector for the block side, because they didn't have the info in their parts data base. One option was to leave the car there, remove the temperature sending unit, and take the sending unit with me from place to place to match the metric threads to a T-connector--not a good option, I need my car. The other option was to buy a sending unit and take it with me so I could use it to match up threads with a T-connector. But they didn't have one in stock, and I wasn't sure I wanted to spend $120 for one, anyway. So, I went to the auto parts store, and they couldn't find any information in their data base, either. I went to a Mitsubishi dealer parts dept. (since Mitsubishi makes the smart's engine), and they couldn't find any info either (he said probably only the manufacturer of the car would have the info). So, here I am, I spent $100 on the gauge and the mount, and can go no further until someone tells me what size T-connector I need to buy (and where to buy it). My terminology or nomenclature above might not be correct, but I hope you'll understand what I am talking about. Again, the Smart Service Center doesn't have the info. HELP ! (Shellcaptain@sbcglobal.net)

Smartieparts has a "Scan Guage" that hooks into the computer, gives u water temp + lots more information