Is this temperature gauge high?

Just curious of I should be concerned it looks a bit high no? Or is this normal. 2004 prerunner

 

Mine runs about the same. when i hook up scan tool. It shows im at 194 degrees

 

That gauge is useless.

Monitor your temps via OBDII as those readings are pulled directly from your ECT sensor.

Your gauge receives its readings from an ECT sender. It is independent of the sensor mentioned above and can vary in terms of what it's reading. It's also only connected to your tempg gauge and nothing else.

The sensor on the otherhand communicates with your on-board computer.

 

I’d check against the obd as well.

My gauge sets dead level, I’m curious if maybe the thermostat jiggle valve is in the wrong direction.

 

I recommend a new Toyota OE thermostat be installed IF you have no history on its age or brand, just for peace of mind.
Across all vehicle brands, I've gotten poorer results with aftermarket than with OE brand or OEM who actually makes the part

 

So when reading OBDII temps, what is a healthy temp range?

 

Looks aight to me

 

Probably 180F something up to 215 or so. More modern engines run hotter for efficiency or so I’ve read all over. OPs gauge looks just like where mine lives. But I agree to cross reference with OBD data. Trust but verify and whatnot.

 

5VZ's can see up to 210 to 215 or so?

But normal operating temps, 185-195 is healthy.

Granted you asked a question that has many, many variables outside our control so what my 4R or Tacoma saw, could differ from your own vehicle.

 

Mine hovers around 204 in the summer. A bit less in the Fall and Winter. It used to concern me but I did a fair amount of reading on ideal engine temps. I believe a few modern makes shoot for engine temps just north of 200 to keep things cleaner inside and give overall efficiency a boost. I’ve debated on which orientation to put the giggle valve in on my next thermostat swap.

*adding picture*

 

On a 5VZ, jiggle valve should be at 6 o'clock.

I did that when I replaced the thermostat on the 4Runner and I was consistently at 185-189. And that's in Fresno County weather, in a vehicle that runs slightly warmer than a Tacoma.

 

I just edited my post and added a screenshot I’ve had for a while. With all of the info out there it can make choosing the “right” way a challenge. What the heck is actually right?

I believe my jiggle is at 12:00 now as it has been for about six years. No issues. Previously it must have been at a different location because it ran a bit cooler before my last timing belt job. But it runs fine either way….so. Heck.

 

Thanks for the edit after my quote

Just replace it, it's a quick job.

A good swivel and deep six wall socket takes care of the job.

As for the information out there, I ignored all of it and just went six o'clock after seeing that the PO had it installed at 12 o'clock.