Back-Lit Illumination for Night Driving

Equus Back-Lit illumination shines through the gauge dial for improved visibility after dark. The white incandescent lighting complements many factory instrument panels and keeps the markings readable without overwhelming the interior.

The lighting can be connected to the vehicle’s dashboard illumination circuit so the gauge turns on with the instrument lights.

Electrical Air-Core Movement

The Equus 6000 Series uses an original-equipment-style electrical air-core meter movement. This provides responsive analog operation without the fluid-filled capillary tube required by a mechanical temperature gauge.

Because it is an electrical gauge, proper wiring and grounding are essential. A weak ground can cause incorrect readings or force the needle beyond its normal range.

Compact 2-1/16-Inch Design

Although commonly marketed as a 2-inch gauge, the Equus 6262 has an actual diameter of approximately 2.063 inches, or 2-1/16 inches.

The compact housing fits many compatible:

• Dashboard openings
• Under-dash mounting panels
• A-pillar gauge pods
• Console gauge panels
• Custom instrument clusters

Measure the mounting opening before installation. Metal does not care what the product title said once the hole has been cut.

Rear Twist-On Ring Mount

The rear twist-on mounting ring helps secure the gauge without a complicated bracket assembly. Installation hardware and a mounting panel are included, making the Equus 6262 suitable for both replacement and standalone installations.

The compact 1.63-inch gauge depth also makes it easier to install in dashboards where rear clearance is limited.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Equus
• Manufacturer part number: E6262 / 6262
• Series: Equus 6000 Replacement Instrument Series
• Gauge type: Electrical water-temperature gauge
• Display type: Analog
• Gauge diameter: 2.063 inches / approximately 2-1/16 inches
• Gauge depth: 1.63 inches
• Temperature range: 100–280°F
• Celsius range: 40–130°C
• Needle sweep: 90 degrees
• Dial color: Black
• Marking color: White
• Needle color: Orange
• Lighting: White incandescent Back-Lit illumination
• Mounting system: Rear twist-on ring
• Sender thread: 1/8-inch NPT
• Recommended installation wire: 18–20 AWG stranded copper wire

What’s Included

• Equus 6262 electrical water-temperature gauge
• 1/8-inch NPT temperature sender
• 1/2-inch NPT adapter bushing
• 3/8-inch NPT adapter bushing
• M16x1.5 adapter bushing
• Rear twist-on mounting ring
• Mounting panel
• Installation hardware
• Installation instructions

The included bushings cover several common sender-port sizes. Other vehicle-specific adapters may still be required and are sold separately.

Why Install an Aftermarket Temperature Gauge?

Many factory gauges are heavily damped and provide only a general indication of coolant temperature. They may remain in the middle of the display across a broad operating range, then suddenly move toward hot when the cooling system is already struggling.

The Equus 6262 can help you:

• Detect abnormal coolant temperatures
• Monitor an older vehicle with an inaccurate factory gauge
• Add temperature monitoring to a custom build
• Track cooling performance during towing
• Verify cooling-fan operation
• Monitor an engine swap
• Diagnose intermittent overheating
• Confirm the results of cooling-system repairs

If rising temperature is accompanied by leaks, coolant loss or corrosion, review our guide to the seven signs of a failing radiator.

Installation Notes

Install the included sender in a coolant passage where it can contact circulating engine coolant. Depending on the application, the sender may be installed in the cylinder head, intake manifold, thermostat housing, engine block or an inline radiator-hose adapter.

The included adapter bushings support several common thread sizes:

• 1/8-inch NPT sender
• 3/8-inch NPT adapter
• 1/2-inch NPT adapter
• M16x1.5 adapter

Before installation:

• Allow the engine to cool completely.
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
• Verify the sender-port thread size.
• Confirm adequate clearance behind the mounting location.
• Route wiring away from exhaust components, belts and cooling fans.
• Use 18–20 AWG stranded copper automotive wire.
• Provide a clean ground for the gauge and sender.
• Bleed air from the cooling system after opening it.
• Check for coolant leaks before driving.

Avoid excessive thread sealant or Teflon tape on the sender. Electrical temperature senders often depend on their threaded body for grounding. Too much insulation can cause inaccurate readings or make the needle peg beyond 280°F.

For additional background, read our guide explaining how an engine coolant temperature sensor works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Equus 6262 a 2-inch or 2-1/16-inch gauge?

Equus markets it as a 2-inch gauge, but the listed diameter is 2.063 inches, which corresponds to the common 2-1/16-inch gauge size.

Is this an electrical or mechanical gauge?

The Equus 6262 is an electrical gauge. It uses an included temperature sender and electrical wiring rather than a mechanical capillary tube.

Does it display Fahrenheit and Celsius?

Yes. The gauge face displays temperatures from 100–280°F and 40–130°C.

Is the temperature sender included?

Yes. A matched 1/8-inch NPT electrical temperature sender is included.

Are adapter bushings included?

Yes. The kit includes 1/2-inch NPT, 3/8-inch NPT and M16x1.5 adapter bushings. Other vehicle-specific adapters may be required.

Can I use my factory coolant-temperature sender?

Equus designs this gauge to operate with its included sender. Factory and aftermarket senders may have different resistance ranges and can produce inaccurate readings.

Why is the needle reading above 280°F?

A poor ground connection can cause the gauge to peg beyond its normal range. Inspect the gauge ground, sender ground and wiring before assuming the engine is actually above 280°F.

What should I do if the gauge shows overheating?

Reduce engine load and pull over safely if the temperature continues rising. Shut the engine off if you see steam, coolant loss or a temperature warning. Never remove the radiator cap while the cooling system is hot.

See our guide on how to deal with an overheating engine for the next diagnostic steps.

Affordable Analog Temperature Monitoring

The Equus 6262 provides the essential features needed from an analog water-temperature gauge: a readable black dial, illuminated display, electrical movement, included sender and a useful selection of adapter bushings.

It is a practical choice for anyone who wants dependable coolant-temperature monitoring without paying for features they do not need.