Temp gauge reads 210* but actually cooler
 

I ran my new 2011 5.3 and recorded with my HP Tuner today. At steady freeway driving my actual engine temperature was 192*-194* while my gauge stayed on 210*. I think GM has the gauge adjusted so it stays on 210* without varying so people won't think something is wrong. Did not check at idle but I'm sure it will rise higher until one of the fans comes on. Ambient was about 50* during my log.

Unlike my 08 Corvette which shows actual at all times.

I need to plug mine in to the scanner. Mine is showing closer to 225-230 on the gauge. My voltage gauge shows right under 12. I have an 03 with the faulty stepper motors so

Probably like what they did in F-bodies, reads around 210 all the time unless it's really overheating.

Probably like my 05 as well. I think the temp gauge really is a dummy light in a lot of ways. It does move and respond but it's not accurate. My gauge jumps up to around 100 C ( canadian cluster) but really the coolant hangs around 88-90 C according to the scanner. If it cools off enough the cluster drops but like I said, not really accurate at all. 2006 and 2000 did the same thing..... probably so did the 2009.

Apparently so. Like 1994Vmax says, more of a dummy light than a gauge.

Not sure on the newer ones. But my 2000 reads just a notch under 210. It wont start reading above 210 until it actually gets to 240. Then it shoots up fast.

Yes, G.M made the sensor plateau off in those areas. Could be worse. Dodge's oil pressure gauge really only tells the drive it has pressure, nothing more. lol

this is why i run an aftermarket water temp gauge......i dont trust those gauges at all

Ford has been doing this for years too.

Throw some water-wetter, purple ice, whatever, in there, you'll see that gauge move. I'm at 210 under 30mph, above that, drops to just above 160. At first it freaked me out, like my fans weren't working, I didn't expect to see that much fluctuation from that purple ice stuff, but it works.