In our 2k Bonnie we are having problems with the external temperature part of the climate control. It will say that it is about 113F out when it is really about 70-80F. Should I just replace the thermostat? If I remember correctly it is the little thingie between the grille and the radiator, correct?

When does it say 113 degrees? When you are stopped?

It depends. When is it reading hot? If it'* reading hot or cold right after you start the car up, there'* nothing wrong. If the car is in the sun and you start it up, the temp will read incorrectly for about 2 minutes. Just give it time to level itself and it'll be fine if this is happening at start up.

Jason

i will check, but i think its when the car is moving. The thermometer also reads very cold to, we have gotten like 30'* when it is really in the 50-60'*, so I dont think that it is just the engine heating it up...

It would be good to see if the climate control had stored a trouble code. On my car it sits right in front of the radiator.

I'll give you an example of what I'm talking about. This applies if it'* cold outside (it will read colder than it is...likewise if it'* hot outside..initially it'll read warmer than it is)

Yesterday after leaving work..it was about 80 or so outside....my car had been in the sun all day so when I got in...for about the first two minutes or so (including while I'm driving away) the temp read in the high 90s...it just takes a little time for the temp gauge to calibrate. Just check it. It should return to normal after a few minutes.

Now if it'* staying hot the whole time (longer than 10-15 minutes), something is wrong.

Jason

it will kick on at about 100F+ and stay that way the entire time that the car is on. It doesnt matter whether the car is moving or not, most of the driving is done at 60mph+ speeds, so the thermometer would get cold air pretty quickly.

Sounds like it may have gone bad.

Mike,

If that is the case, the thermometer is reading incorrectly for sure. Mine always takes a minute to calibrate and then reads correctly. Take it in if you have it under warranty and have them put in a new thermo...it'* definitely bad.

Later,
Jason

If it is a resistive type element (the thermal sensor in front of radiator), you would be able to disconnect the sensor, then place a resistor (of known value approx. 130 ohms, or a variable resistor set to approx 130 ohms) across the two leads, this should give a reading of aprox. 70 degrees f at the climate control (ext. temp) readout. If any other group members have service manual, maybe they could look it up. The theory that I just called out is speculative only, it may operate on another principal entirely.
markwb