Temp. Guage Question - Probably a n00b question... :D
 

Hey, just wanted to know you guys thoughts on a problem I'm having. Over the past couple of months I've noticed my coolant temp guage acting a little different. Usually it would reside right around the 200* mark (probably 195, since it has a stock thermostat - I haven't changed it), but I have noticed the last couple of months that it'll only make it to about the 175-180 range. It doesn't go much higher, and if it does, I notice that it drops back down a bit if I park, or am at a stop for a while. If driving on the highway/interstate, it'll go up to about 190, but get back on the city streets, I'm back down to 180-ish again. I realize that it is winter, but this didn't happen last winter, and this year has been pretty warm around here, anyways (South Dakota). Outside temp hasn't seemed to affect what it says on the guage. I'm thinking it's just the thermostat dieing, but wanted to see what you all thought. I just wanted to make sure it's not something bigger. Any info or ideas would be great.

I have a stock '01, SE. Oh, and I have Prestone (green) coolant, which was new about a year ago.

Thanks!

The only thing I can think of is that you have a stuck thermostat or faulty one. I'd replace it if you get a chance (fairly easy to do btw even for n00bs...I did it so anyone can)



other thing would be maybe the coolant temp sensor is messed up. On the older cars it is in the radiator.

ten, One quick way to check t-stat operation: start engine, remove radiator fill cap, let engine idle up to operating temp while observing coolant in rad. You will see circulation in rad when t-stat begins to open. Note the temperature indicated on coolant temp gage. The other way is to remove t-stat, place in pan of water, heat up to boil, but if you go through that much trouble, may as well just buy a new stat. Just my .02

Stat and gaskets are probably around $10. Sounds like it is getting sticky or faulty. Well worth replacing it before it decides to stick closed and overheat you.

Re: Temp. Guage Question - Probably a n00b question... :D
 

I hope that ALL of the Dexcool was removed buy a full flush, several times to get it all out...

Re: Temp. Guage Question - Probably a n00b question... :D
 

Yeah, it was flushed a couple times. It was originally done about 2 years ago by a mechanic that I've been going to for a long time. I trust he did a good job, he hasn't let me down in the past. I haven't had any coolant system problems, until this minor one. The Prestone still looks good and clean in the rad and in the overflow tank. I'd figure after 2 years of running Prestone, I'd see some kind of sludge in either of those places by now (if any Dex was still in there).

Also, thanks for the suggestions and the reassurance it's most likely the thermostat.

Do you guys have a post somewhere (or know where one is) that'll walk me through replacing the thermostat? I have a good idea how to do it, but haven't done one before, just would help me feel more confident doing it. Plus, I'd rather do it myself and therefor learn something... lol :lol:

Thanks guys.

Off to find the post

Bills right there is a post on this somewhere. :roll:

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...ght=thermostat

Cool. I figured you guys would have something on it on here. Thanks for the info.