2009 Dodge Ram: Two Coolant Temp Gauges?

I suppose the numbers mean more on a car like the Viper, but the analog dial has always worked for me. For 10 yrs my Maxima's needle always stayed in the middle. Then one day on the way home from work it started to rise. A cracked radiator...crap!!!

I really like the computer. Very accurate to have precise numbers. I believe it's an integrated OBD II reader (like a Scangauge). Really nice feature.

The analog gauge serves as a warning always on display, I think that's necessary because you can be using the multi-function display for other things.

I want an analog gauge that isn't a glorified idiot light.

If I can't have a real numbered analog then give a separate digital gauge.

"I want an analog gauge that isn't a glorified idiot light."

How is it an idiot light?

Even without numbers the guage will still show you when the car is running hot. An idiot light will only show you that it has already overheated.

@firstwagon

Many are idiot lights because they are buffered and always show the middle position for a huge temperature range, so the average driver doesn't freak out when he notices that his coolant doesn't always have the same temp (thermostat operation, etc.).

The temp gauge in my E46 bimmer stays in the middle from 167 to 230 degrees. A gauge like that is useless IMO.

So, when your car starts overheating nothing will happen for quite some time, then, when you're already close to doing serious damage the temp gauge quickly zooms into the red.

The Ram has gauges that look a lot sportier and nicer looking than the Camaro! And add to the fact that they are actually readable! What a concept!

i agree completely with those calling most modern gauges glorified idiot lights... if they actually displayed the real temperature, gauges would be my preference. but since they typically only display an "everything is peachy" range to reassure the idiot class of car buyer, a digital readout is probably the only way to get accurate info.

"i agree completely with those calling most modern gauges glorified idiot lights... if they actually displayed the real temperature, gauges would be my preference. but since they typically only display an "everything is peachy" range to reassure the idiot class of car buyer, a digital readout is probably the only way to get accurate info."

Exactly; my 1975 2002 and my 1999 Wrangler actually have accurate temperature gauges- which mean that the readings fluctuate based on both ambient temperatures and driving conditions. Of course, those fluctuations will worry the typical moron driver to no end, so now every car with analog gauges buffers them so that the needles stay centered...

Like roadburner my Jeep's will move depending on outside temps and Driving conditions, it also has a digital readout as well for oil temps.

The ultimate solution is a "glass cockpit" that could be configured to suit the driver's preferences. Digital? Analog? Accurate? Buffered? Just idiot lights? it would all be up to the driver.

well analog is more stylish and digital is easier to read
so they offer both so that people think the owner is reading the stylish analog gauge when he or she is really looking at the easy to read digital one

I prefer the analog guage, but it is nice to also have the digital guage, plus Dodge was kind enuf to put an trans temp guage in there too, among other things.

I have owned a lot of cars over the last 30 years and have never had one with an "idiot light" guage. They do seem to stay in one spot most of the time but that is how a cooling system is designed to work. When you have small guage with maybe 1 inch of total sweep you will not notice the plus or minus 10 degrees or so which is normal changes.

The way you find out it is not buffered is when the car gets old. A clogged rad will first show itself by having the guage start to creep slightly higher on long hills and in stop and go traffic. Same if you have a slow coolant leak.

If your temp rises and falls a lot in day to day driving then you might want to have your cooling system checked.

"They do seem to stay in one spot most of the time but that is how a cooling system is designed to work. When you have small guage with maybe 1 inch of total sweep you will not notice the plus or minus 10 degrees or so which is normal changes."

I'll guarantee you that the gauges in my newer cars are buffered; I can lap Putnam Park flat out for 30 minutes in 95F weather and the gauge needles don't move one millimeter.

Then this should make the digital guage interesting. See how much the temp changes under load.

firstwagon-
Somebody else correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you're missing the 'idiot light' reference.
The idiot light, as my 90 Cherokee had, is nothing more than a light that basically says "you are now overheating". There was no gauge, no needle, no nothing. Just a light.

So you didn't know if the engine was moving up in temp. It was either, 'everything is good', or 'you're screwed'. It's as though you didn't have a fuel gauge, a light just came on that said 'EMPTY'.

some gauges, and I think Ford is a major culprit, or at least they used to be use the "idiot" gauge. My S-10 uses actual gauges. The coolant starts out at below 100 and then moves quickly (like with in 5 miles) to about mid-range which I think is 190?? I can't remember the needle come to rest right below mid-point. Once it gets there it never moves from that spot. I know I have a problem when it starts to rise, as it has on a few occasions and it has saved my bacon. The other gauges are also "real". The oil pressure gauge moves with engine speed and the voltmeter moves from 12 volts to 14ish once started. I like that. It gives me instant reliable info that I can trust.

I know what to look for on my vehicle to tell if there is a problem and the gauges have saved the truck's life a couple of times. Mostly the coolant gauge. The voltmeter has saved me from being stranded once and have never had the oil pressure drop to 0 while running and let's hope it doesn't, but I like knowing that it measure actual pressure so that I can know when it's running lower than typical.

Engines operate in a range of temps...we have the gauges because people generally have NO CLUE as the exact temps that are good, or bad for that matter.

I prefer the analog with numbers. Analog without numbers (except gas) is annoying. In most situations, I don't take the time to read the numbers, I just know what's a good range and a split second glance at the needle will let me know. On the times I'm more cocerned then I still have the numbers to provide me with the info I'm looking for. But with newer cars, the computer is already taking digital readings of all this stuff anyways, so having the ability to display it is a simple programming add on, so why not?