I know most of you know what I'm talking about.

The coolant temp gauge starts at 100 I think, goes to 220 right in the middle, but ends at like 260 or 280.

100 ||||||| 220 ||||||| 260\80 (cant remember)


So obviously the ratio is off if 220 is in the middle.

Why did the factory do this?

 

My guess is to have the normal operating range in the middle. I would also guess the area between 220 and 260 would show a greater sweep with the needle so you would notice it sooner?

 

The thermistor (thermal resistor)in the guage sending unit in not a linear resistance. A big percentage of vehicles on the road are the same way.

 

Thanks guys. I was just wondering.

What is the normal running temp for our cars? Or maybe an easier way to describe it, where do most of your needles point on the sensor, since it isn't so easy to read.