Purchased the OBDator Mini-OBD2 ELM327 dongle ($14) and it came in today. That combined with the free Torque App and I was quickly able to see my coolant temps.
Note: These OBD dongles are ON at all times. In hindsight, I should have found a model with a power switch (saw one with a button, low profile as well, for $20 on Amazon). They don't drain much power but I hate the idea of installing a parasite.
EDIT: Gonna buy this for $8, its an OBD extension with a switch. I might just ziptie it to that tray thing under the steering column.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R9SKRDM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3N6NMITXL6Z86&psc=1
The standard 986 gauge is pretty accurate on the way up to 180F. Once past 180F its hard to tell whats going on.
Using Torque:
In general with normal country cruising it would hold at 194F. Putting through a neighborhood saw it hit 205F and it quickly came back down to 194F once I was moving at 55.
There is a lot more capability but I am not really sure if I *need* to see anything else. I did put the MPG display up to see that information.
To Do:
- Buy the Torque Pro App for $5, might as well
- Figure our how to display Torque on the Alpine using Android Auto, it can be done!
- Buy the 160F Thermostat, plan to install it down the road