# Can I add a temperature gauge to my Ford?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-add-a-temperature-gauge-to-my-ford/73501>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** focus, overheating, ford\
**Created:** [July 13, 2012, 12:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-add-a-temperature-gauge-to-my-ford/73501 "2012-07-13T00:40:30Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Bobbys\_Girl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ea666f/32.png) [@Bobbys\_Girl](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Bobbys_Girl)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2012, 12:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-add-a-temperature-gauge-to-my-ford/73501/1 "2012-07-13T00:40:30Z")

</div>

I drive a 2008 Ford Focus which has many extras, including SYNC and heated leather seats, but it does not have an outside temperature gauge. I am both a “weather person” and a runner so it’s important for me to know the outside temperature. I asked the dealer about installing one, and he said it couldn’t be done. But when the sun is shining just right, I can see the lettering on the dash for Interior and Exterior temperatures. This makes me think the foundation is there for a thermostat to be added. Can this be done? If not by a Ford dealer, by someone else? (I have tried the ones you buy at auto supply stores and hated that cord and mess.) And what was Ford thinking, not putting in a temp. gauge in '08? Most all other cars have had that feature for years. Do you have any ideas for me?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2012, 1:11am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-add-a-temperature-gauge-to-my-ford/73501/2 "2012-07-13T01:11:29Z")

</div>

It came with heated leather seats but no outside temp? Weird.

According to the sites I checked the 2008 Focus doesn’t have that option. The dash panel used was apparently also used for other models that did have this feature.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![SteveF](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/stevef/32/2_2.png) [@SteveF](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveF)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2012, 1:45am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-add-a-temperature-gauge-to-my-ford/73501/3 "2012-07-13T01:45:37Z")

</div>

Even if the Focus was not built with its own circuitry for an indoor/outdoor thermometer, you can always add your own as a separate accessory. Here’s one example for $8.99:

> **[Indoor & Outdoor LCD Car Thermometer with Blue Backlight](http://www.tmart.com/Indoor-Outdoor-LCD-Car-Thermometer-with-Blue-Backlight_p104529.html?utm_source=shopzillaus&utm_medium=referral&utm_term=B00029BU&utm_campaign=product)**
>
> I like this. Do you think I should buy it?

And a Google search will find additional models for you.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![oldbodyman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbce88/32.png) [@oldbodyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldbodyman)\
**Post date:** [July 13, 2012, 1:47am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/can-i-add-a-temperature-gauge-to-my-ford/73501/4 "2012-07-13T01:47:23Z")

</div>

Try looking on line for the ones that have the read out in the rear view mirror. Buy one and have it installed Or find a shop that sells and installs them. I use add them for a dealer ( I was cheaper to use than their guys). Its not to hard. Just takes some time and a bit of know how.