Ford transit temperature gauge missing

[bongoboy]

Just bought a 2002 ford transit SWB LPG/petrol hybrid.
The LPG gauge is on the left of the display console where the temp gauge should be according to the hand book. As the LPG conversion is an after production one, i assume they took out the temp gauge so as to put in the fuel gauge for the LPG.
I would like a temperature gauge as it's quite important, but i can't see one anywhere else. Can i get some sort of temperature gauge from somewhere?
And are they easy to fit?

this question is also in the cars catagory by mistake

[Count-A-Strong]

Yes you can get aftermarket temp gauges. Are they easy to fit? Depends how practical you are.

[RATTER15]

No worries, go to Halfords or get an original from ford or a scrap yard, easy to fit as well with just a few basic skills and a the loss of skin from a few knuckles.

[TWR]

Why should anyone take out such an important & vital unit like this Bongoboy? I'm on the point of suspicion here! has the van been running well?

[sddsddean]

Just as a 'point of order' TWR, I had a Fiesta courtesy car the other week from Ford and it has no temp gauge either. I asked the service desk people why (bad move, I know!) and they said the cars were so reliable, they didn't need them any more. I just stared at them!!!

[TWR]

This poster asked a Q regards a lot of rust on the diff casing last week, although that has nothing to do with this posting I would be very wary, as regards what you asked the garage, they are there to make money & nothing else, after sales mean money in some cases & they do not want that.

[chas2008]

lots of new vehicles are not fitted with temp guages,

[chas2008]

sddsddean,
they are right, modern vehicles just dont throw belts,leak hoses etc. just ask a parts guy how many hoses,belts etc. they sell these days, very few.
Also the engine management/stop light will come on indicating any problems.

[sddsddean]

I appreciate what you're saying Chas, but I would prefer to have a temp gauge. Engine management lights don't give you a clue as to whats wrong. For instance, on my truck the ABS warning light came on last week. I had to take the truck to DAF to have it put on the diagnostics computer, just to say one of the sensors had moved a bit (and had an 'air gap') and I had to push it in a bit. Cost £50 for the diagnostics and 2 hrs of my time (wheels off, brake drum off, brake shoe off, 2 seconds to push sensor in (!) and then reassemble). Everything is geared to having the manufacturer 'mechanics' (part changers more like) do the job for you at an astronomic price. Most dealerships are around £90/hr. How they warrant it I don't know!

[mjwman]

you can get a decent fault code reader for about £25 off eBay. That is cheaper than the garage charge of about £40-50. Then you can go armed with the code and save time and money.

[bongoboy]

thanks for all the answers

TWR, it has just passed its MOT no problems, runs just fine, it was converted to lpg, several years ago and i have been given all the documents and paperwork for the conversion , but they have put the lpg fuel gauge in the place of the temperature gauge.
i will get a temperature gauge as suggested above from halfords or scrap yard

thanks again

.

[TWR]

Hi, your indicator that the system is well down or empty of coolant will be reflected in the heater Bongoboy, You may know this but I am just advising you, keep the heat controls in the red if possible if the system is out on coolant you will get cold air coming through the system.

[chas2008]

i drive a couple of late vehicles on a regular basis (ford/vauxhall) neither have temp guages and to be honest i really dont miss them.