Temp guage fluctuation...

[SHOstuff]

My temp guage is doing strange things. When driving, my guage is at around between a and l. When idling, it goes between r and m. The fan does come on when idling also so it's not over heating. I'm just wondering why does it read between a and l when driving and between r and m when idling. Why doesn't it stay around and steady temp?

 

[tps761]

i just replaced my thermostat and mine is doing the same thing. If its not overheating than don't worry about it. I chalked it up to an old radiator and water pump. Items aren't failing, but are not functioning perfect either. don't worry about it unless your car overheats.

 

[zblackbeast]

Dont forget the sensor is in the front head, and when its cold out that head is getting rammed with cold air cooling it down better.. Ive only noticed mine moving in the winter mainly too, unless im cruising at highway speeds when its cool at night in the summer. But mine does it as well with the old and new t-stat and coolant.

 

[Bob Gervais]

Either your coolant is low, or there's air in the system.

 

[Bob Gervais]

Dont forget the sensor is in the front head, and when its cold out that head is getting rammed with cold air cooling it down better.. Ive only noticed mine moving in the winter mainly too, unless im cruising at highway speeds when its cool at night in the summer. But mine does it as well with the old and new t-stat and coolant.

This has nothing to do with where the sensor is located. Driving the car at speed, forces way more air through the radiator, and cools the car better.

 

[zblackbeast]

I wasnt sure.. I just kinda figured cause after driving my front valve cover is always cooler than my rear.

 

[sperold]

Change the thermostat. It is giving you fair warning that it is past its due date. The next chapter in this story has you standing at the side of the road with the hood up.

 

[SHOstuff]

Change the thermostat. It is giving you fair warning that it is past its due date. The next chapter in this story has you standing at the side of the road with the hood up.

I think I'll do too. And while I'm at, what is the best way to get air out my system since there's no bleeder valve?

 

[sperold]

There are a lot of posts on this forum concerning thermostats.
Some thermostats come with a jiggle valve (bypass hole) in the flat body, so look for that feature. Otherwise, you have to drill a hole yourself.

 

[shobote]

that also is the symptom I noticed when the coolant temp sending unit was going bad, quick easy and cheap fix.

 

[tps761]

I think I'll do too. And while I'm at, what is the best way to get air out my system since there's no bleeder valve?

swear alot and kick the car off its stands to move the air around. worked for me lol

drill alittle hole in the thermo though it will save you alot of hassle

 

[randy'sho]

mine was doing the exact same thing a few weeks ago...I changed my thermostat and now it stays on the m in NORMAL at idle and while rolling! whaaaalaaa!

 

[zblackbeast]

My tstat is one year old and all new coolant and temp sensor.. It still moves.. since the day i put all that stuff in..

 

[SHOstuff]

swear alot and kick the car off its stands to move the air around. worked for me lol

drill alittle hole in the thermo though it will save you alot of hassle

...ok

 

[SHOstuff]

swear alot and kick the car off its stands to move the air around. worked for me lol

drill alittle hole in the thermo though it will save you alot of hassle

My tstat is one year old and all new coolant and temp sensor.. It still moves.. since the day i put all that stuff in..

Did you get all the air out of it?

 

[raff18]

ihave had 2 taurus's and a sable and all have done the same
only time u should worrie is when ur on the highway and the guage reads below or at the L then u need a tstat

 

[rubydist]

The only time I've seen this is when the thermostat was sticky. A new thermostat should take care of it.

btw, just because you put in a new thermostat does not mean that it is working properly - I've had new ones be sticky before.

 

[whiteguy3]

only time u should worrie is when ur on the highway and the guage reads below or at the L then u need a tstat

You know that if it reads on the 'L' it's in the normal range right? Don't worry if that is the case, that is why it is the 'normal' range.

 

[SHOZ123]

The t-stat opens around 190F. The fans come on around 215F. That is the difference you are seeing. Either that or air is in the system and your radiator cap or radiator is leaking.