How hot do you let it get on your CRD temp gauge before you do something about it? Almost all the time the temp gauge is about 1/8 to the left of center. This is even in summer temps >100 and even when towing a trailer. Now going up hills seems to matter more. The gage will climb a little but maybe I am paranoid from previously overheating vehicles and wanting to assure the longevity of my precious CRD as soon as the gage goes 1/8 past the center I start gearing down and turning off the AC. Turning off the AC seems to have the biggest impact. I am so accustomed to my CRD running cool so much of the time that I might be overacting to any change in the temp gauge.
I read here that some folks let their gage go 3/4 or even more of the gage, is that risky?
I pay close attention to the transmission warning light which has never come on. If I were to see that one I would pull over immediately.
But I would like to have some confidence that at 3/4 of the temp gauge that nasty things are not about to happen. And it would be nice if I could keep the AC on even going up hills.

Factory gauges are what I refer to as 'dummy gauges.' The bit to the left of center is 'OK.' Past that basically means something is wrong (unless you got that old temp glitch that I believe was fixed in a TSB). If you REALLY want to know the temp add a Autometer or similar brand gauge. I did this to my Contour SVT and was amazed at the different my Autometer (electrical) gauge moved when the factory gauge didn't even twitch.

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Ryan
2006 Ford F-250 PSD CC FX4
**GONE**
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
SAMCO Hoses//GDE Tune//PML Trans Pan//TransGo HD Shift Kit//MBRP Exhaust

1986 2R Mustang SVO