Is this normal?

So I changed the coolant hose and temperature sensor out a couple days ago (see previous posts). Since then it rises a little above operating temperature, which I assume is normal. Picture A is on a normal day when the AC is on. But today it a bit higher (picture B). Is this normal or is something amiss? I'm used to seeing the temperature sensor stay at operating temperature so I'm not sure if this is just normal for Tacomas. Keep in mind picture B was taken today and we're in the middle of a heat wave. It's 103 degrees right now and this is also with the AC on full blast.

 

Do some burnouts then show slide C. Looks fine from a purely untechnical opinion.

 

Running the AC on these really hot days is naturally taxing on the cooling system.

But you're not actually monitoring your temps if you're relying on a dummy gauge.

Did you replace an actual sensor or sender?

The single wire sender directly correlates with that on the dash; this is completely independent of the actual sensor that comminicates with your onboard PCM and is monitored via OBDII.

Long story short, your gauge is useless but also, yes it's expected to run a tad warmer these days. How much warmer is the real question, I don't expect it to be more than 10 degrees difference from a regular day.

 

It was the sender

 

A good working sender, and a gauge that's not stuck, is an ok indicator.

I'd prefer to monitor real temps though.

Suggest you get a tool to connect to your OBDII for live monitoring.

 

The dash gauge is referred to as an idiot gauge for a reason. Don't rely on it solely. The ECM data stream contains the actual temps. Check them out.