Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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CheekyRich
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Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by CheekyRich » Fri Nov 11, 2016 4:22 pm

Hi

I'm looking to get a coolant alarm.. will probably get the combination alarm which monitors coolant level and engine temperature. Considering the Haydn units.
I heard that the TM2 looks kind of cool and a bit retro with its glowing LED display (in keeping with the era of the van) but that the display is virtually impossible to read in bright sunlight. I also heard that it is very bright at night when driving in darkness.
The TM1 with its LCD however I am told is fine to read in sunlight and not too bright at night.. just doesn't have the same retro look. Before I take the plunge, what are people's experiences and what would you advise?

On a related note, I'm wondering whether to get the unit built into the BMW clock or the standalone version. I guess the alarm built into the clock takes up a bit of cubby hole space... every little counts, right? Where is the alarm commonly fixed if you get the standalone unit? Fixed on the underside of the dash somewhere? I've already got a BMW clock so might keep this without the alarm added to it.

Finally, the Haydon alarms seem to be highly rated.. is this the best choice to go for?

Thanks in advance guys.. looking forward to any help you might have.

Rich
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haydn callow
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by haydn callow » Fri Nov 11, 2016 6:16 pm

Couldn't possibly comment !!
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
Developer of the Mazda Bongo Coolant loss Alarm
Also BMW Clocks
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by haydn callow » Fri Nov 11, 2016 6:19 pm

However if you decide to get one......get Jo's phone number off the website and give her a ring and tell her ' dad says a bit of discount please'
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
Developer of the Mazda Bongo Coolant loss Alarm
Also BMW Clocks
Gasy
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by Gasy » Fri Nov 11, 2016 6:30 pm

I use the other ones
Nothing against Hayden's
This was just the first one I found 4 years ago
Seperate engine temp (above my radio )
And LCA
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122176024462? ... EBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170927068334? ... EBIDX%3AIT
I also have one of these for £7 4 years old and still going has no alarm but does have probe for engine temp and a battery voltage indicator, clock alarm and inside temp
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131173799568? ... EBIDX%3AIT
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by Bongolia » Fri Nov 11, 2016 6:41 pm

Gasy wrote:I use the other ones
Nothing against Hayden's
This was just the first one I found 4 years ago
Seperate engine temp (above my radio )
And LCA
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122176024462? ... EBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170927068334? ... EBIDX%3AIT
I also have one of these for £7 4 years old and still going has no alarm but does have probe for engine temp and a battery voltage indicator, clock alarm and inside temp
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131173799568? ... EBIDX%3AIT
Image
Radio 1 !! :shock: :shock: :shock:
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by Gasy » Fri Nov 11, 2016 6:52 pm

Still think I'm a young un I do :D
But an all nighter for me these days
Is if I can make it all through the night
Without getting up for a pee
Last edited by Gasy on Fri Nov 11, 2016 7:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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haydn callow
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by haydn callow » Fri Nov 11, 2016 7:14 pm

Gasy wrote:Still think I'm a young un I do :D
But an all nighted for me these days
Is if I can make it all through the night
Without getting up for a pee
?????????
http://www.coolantalarm.co.uk
Developer of the Mazda Bongo Coolant loss Alarm
Also BMW Clocks
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by Gasy » Fri Nov 11, 2016 7:27 pm

Radio 1 on the stereo I'm referring too ?
Ahh corrected the spelling mistake
I can not spell
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by teenmal » Fri Nov 11, 2016 7:38 pm

We have been using the same units that Gasy has mentioned for a few years now and found them to be very good at a reasonable price.
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by Bob » Fri Nov 11, 2016 11:45 pm

I can say Haydn and Jo provide a quality product with long term back up. :)

Note: I have no connection with their business or Lidl. :)
Take a torch, toilet roll, and tea bags.

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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by mikeonb4c » Sat Nov 12, 2016 1:13 am

Have to admit i recall haydns enthusiasm and support for bongos and their owners from the outset and their commitment to quality and customer service. These days I can afford to pay that little extra for that and i like to. Once upon a time theirs was the only low coolant alarm for the Bongo. Mine has been installed 10 years, still works great, and has repaid the investment handsomely by saving me a very big bill on several occasions. I finally installed a tm2 a couple of years back (went for a low down mount to the left of the steering wheel column which looks neat and discreet, wiring tucked away, doesn't distract me or passengers, is always visible, away from direct sunlight and illumination is neither glaring nor dim)

Like Bob I don't have any commercial connection with the company though i have enjoyed watching its well deserved success =D>
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by Bongolia » Sat Nov 12, 2016 8:46 am

Gasy wrote:Still think I'm a young un I do :D
But an all nighter for me these days
Is if I can make it all through the night
Without getting up for a pee
:lol: :lol:
Yup, in the same place as you with the all nighters. Find a potty useful, drop it over the side then I don`t have to get up.
Just have to make sure I am facing the right way though.... :oops:
But Radio 1? :shock: :shock:
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by Gasy » Sat Nov 12, 2016 9:00 am

Bongolia wrote:
Gasy wrote:Still think I'm a young un I do :D
But an all nighter for me these days
Is if I can make it all through the night
Without getting up for a pee
:lol: :lol:
Yup, in the same place as you with the all nighters. Find a potty useful, drop it over the side then I don`t have to get up.
Just have to make sure I am facing the right way though.... :oops:
But Radio 1? :shock: :shock:
:lol: :lol:
Nothing wrong with a bit of bieber for breakfast
I'm not allowed a potty
I'd knock it over in the morning
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: Started to chirp more!

Post by Clanger » Sun Mar 19, 2017 9:45 am

My Bongo's coolant alarm, which normally gives a single. Chirp when starting my Bongo, has started to chirp while I am driving. I have checked my coolant level and It is good. It starts to chirp while the engine is still cold, so I suspect a fault, but being new to these issues, I don't know what my next move should be! Any advice would be gratefully received.
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Re: Coolant alarm advice: TM1 or TM2 or something else?

Post by Bob » Sun Mar 19, 2017 9:50 am

Welcome aboard. :D

It could be your battery is a little low after starting, the unit works by sensing voltage.

Or, have you recently changed to the red coolant? This can coat the screw in the header tank and cause these symptoms.

Simple fix is partly undo the screw and clean with a small wire brush.

Others will soon offer advice, I'm sure. 8)
Take a torch, toilet roll, and tea bags.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hcF9JSxkUSE
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