05 Echo - Temperature Gauge

I am not sure if the temperature sender is an on/off type or one that varies its output signal. If the sender is an on/off type then you will have to replace it with a variable one in order to install a temp gauge. If you have and know how to use a volt meter, then measure the output of the temp sender when it is a little warmed up. If it is more than 0 volts, then it is variable and you can purchase an aftermarket temp gauge and follow the installation instructions.

just watch for and heed the red warning light. also you could put a warning light across the fan motor terminals, at the fan motor connector. this would alert you that the fan motor is on. it's not perfect but may give a bit more info than you'd have otherwise. don't forget you can also run the heater for auxiliary cooling. i've done a bit of towing with mine and i stay out of fifth gear on uphills. that engine will happily run at 60+ mph in fourth and it won't hurt it a bit. just don't lug the engine, downshift if necessary to any gear that will allow the engine to run freely. i have 105,000+ miles on mine and i still love it. (i hope yours is not automatic....) good luck, sammm

Thanks for the advice - I'll see if I can borrow a volt-meter otherwise the warning light idea may well work too.

I'm up to about 125,000km (78,000miles) on my 05 after 17 months and am pretty happy with it as well. I'm glad that in addition to being a cheap way to get to work that it can also support my hobbies:

Andrew Butchart

Thanks for the advice - I'll see if I can borrow a volt-meter otherwise the warning light idea may well work too.

I'm up to about 125,000km (78,000miles) on my 05 after 17 months and am pretty happy with it as well. I'm glad that in addition to being a cheap way to get to work that it can also support my hobbies:

Andrew Butchart

No need to borrow a voltmeter when they are this inexpensive new.

. Sometimes they have similar models on special for as low as $2.95 but without the 10 amp current function. Handy for a lot of things in addition to your car. Not lab quality, but plenty good enough for most applications.

Lee Richardson Mech-Tech Evansville, Indiana

1001 uses for the voltmeter around the home I'm sure - I didn't realize they were that inexpensive.

Does anyone happen to know where I'll find the temperature sender and what it looks like?

Andrew B

The temperature sender is usually near or in the thermostat housing. Follow this large diameter hose going from the top of the radiator to the engine. The radiator hose is usually connected to the engine at the thermostat housing, which looks like a removable bulge. The temperature sender is about the size of your thumb and will be screwed into the bulge or somewhere nearby and have 1 or 2 wires coming out of it.

I think the $ would be better spent on a bottle of "Water-Wetter" - it actually works in transferring/conducting more heat out of radiator.