UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hi,
I was thinking about temperature gauges because I miss having such an important piece of equipment on my car.
I like to keep an eye on what's happening under the bonnet

I really like the GTI dashboard with the boost and temp gauge, but changing my car is not an option

So I was wondering if it is too difficult to install an engine temperature gauge on my 2011 Polo TSI (105bhp version).
Alternatively is there a way to have the engine temperature displayed by accessing the display menu on the dashboard?
That would be the easiest option.
The only readout I found was for the ambient temperature but not the engine temperature as far as I can see.
I saw CICLO's post about the installation of a volt meter near the cigarette lighter socket and that looked quite neat.
Perhaps a dual Volt/temp readout would be possible?

Where on the engine are the best take-off points for the temperature sensor?

Any info is appreciated
Thanks.

You can put the GTI cluster in the TSI. It'll give you a full Highline computer too.

Or swap with the BlueGT cluster - https://www.youtube*.com/watch?v=cVbOEetKulc

I'd forgotten that the BlueGT had that cluster too- and the speedo goes up to 160 not 180 like in the GTI, which is more appropriate really!

And the revs stop at 6K unlike the near 7k in the GTI.

Thanks.
Is the GT cluster a plug and play job or does the existing TSI wire harness have to be changed/altered as well?
Will the vehicle's computer adjust itself to the new instrument cluster or will it have to be programmed/changed?
Is the cluster hard to remove?
Thanks for your input

If you get in touch with Eddie-gt on here he can help, I think he sources them, fits and codes them for around £200-£300.

jammydodger wrote:If you get in touch with Eddie-gt on here he can help, I think he sources them, fits and codes them for around £200-£300.

Yeah I'd agree with that, he seems to know his stuff well. If you can find a used cluster on ebay or from a breakers yard will be cheaper.

Thanks.
I am in Malta and if it comes to it I will probably have to do it myself.

The replacement of the cluster will probably entail the removal of most of the dashboard and steering wheel, not to mention electrical issues.

I have stripped components from cars before and I am not new to these things, but airbags and computers put me off and I get the feeling that changing the cluster is a substantial job whose end result is just to get an indication of the engine temperature.
The other option to install a multi-function (temp/voltage) digital readout is still an option with apparently less installation hassle for me once I find a suitable place and take-off points for it.
The cigarette lighter area is a good place it seems.