2008 GS SM5 temperture question

[SpyderPete]

Hi all,

My question is this:

I live the UK and when i use my spyder the temp when standing shows 3 dot on display, But when i ride down the road at 50 mph the temp drops to 1 dot.

Have changed the thermostat and still the same.

ANY ideas??

[Chupaca]

I have a 2012 RS Sm5 and at stand still and at running temp will show 6 bars. Depending on the temperature of the ryding day can drop to 3 bars while ryding. Once you get the air flowing to the radiator the temp should drop. Again depending on the day. When ryding in the 80's and up to 100's the temp does not drop but the fan stops working till I stop rolling.

[Peter Aawen]

.....the temp when standing shows 3 dot on display, But when i ride down the road at 50 mph the temp drops to 1 dot...

That's pretty much normal, altho maybe being in the UK cold makes it go a little lower than elsewhere. As soon as you get air-flow thru the radiator/s the temp will drop, even tho the thermostat will be trying to keep things at or near ideal operating temperature!!

You could try attaching a 'known accurate' temp gauge to the sensor & checking what the actual temp really is, or you could cut a sheet of cardboard to slip over the front of the radiator & limit the air-flow thru it whilst you are moving - vary the size until you get your desired 'indicator' position on the gauge, but don't block the air-flow off entirely or things could get hotter than ideal pdq & do some expensive damage....

That said, it's ALWAYS going to work that way to some extent; air-flow thru the rad is how the engine coolant gets cooled & cold ambient air will cool more/better than hotter air - just be thankful that your summer ambient temp doesnt often hit the mid 40's deg C or higher!! It's a significantly easier problem to either just ignore or learn to live with than when things are getting a whole lot hotter than ideal!!

Ps, good username you got there! And welcome to posting.

[Jeriatric]

Could be a bad temperature sending unit. At 20 degrees & 70 MPH my RT never shows less than two bars on temp gauge.

[SpyderPete]

Thank every one,

I did wonder about the temperture sensor!

Silly question, Where is the temp sensor??

have looked on parts list but can't find any mention of sensor.

[PistonBlown]

Thank every one,

I did wonder about the temperture sensor!

Silly question, Where is the temp sensor??

have looked on parts list but can't find any mention of sensor.

I'm guessing it's the CTS (Coolant Temperature Sensor) that feeds that gauge. Here's the relevant pages from the manual for location and testing.

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