engine temp. not warming up

[DavidT]

I just finished replacing plugs and coils. Car seems to be running somewhat better... but still not right. I have noticed that the temp. gauge is cooler than normal. Normally it points to 24 mph. Now it points from 17-20 mph. What would cause this? Sticking thermostat? Also, the transmission cooler in the radiator is bypassed...
I get no codes.... except for a regular p1518. Would a faulty injector throw a code?

 

[SHOZ123]

The temp sender for the dash is just a resistor that changes value when the temperature changes. So any added resistance from the wiring will affect the reading. The other possibility is air in the system and the sender is not actually in the coolant, which would be bad.

With nearly a direct short the gage would read at the hot end and with very high resistance it would be reading cold.

Try just unplugging it and cleaning the contact.

 

[platoribs]

Also...
burp the radiator and double check the stat, or simply replace it and check again.

 

[SHOZ123]

Gen 3s don't need burped. They have the degasser tank.

:wave:

 

[platoribs]

D'oh!

Lacking spacial awareness after the big feed. Didn't realize whar I wuz!

 

[DavidT]

well the gauge seems to be working fine. When the needle is pointing at 17-20 mph, the coolant temp near the tstat is at 150-165 degrees respectively. So, is the tstat stuck open? My only concern here is chasing a rough idle and rough getting up to speed. Could the tstat have anything to do with that.... keep in mind there is no overheating going on... or could a faulty coolant temp. sensor be a possibility?