Hey guys. Lately it seems like my temperature gauge is reading a little low. Heat works fine and gas mileage is still the same but I wonder if I could have a thermostat that is slowly failing.

I was under the impression that when a thermostat failed it would freeze open and the car would not come up to operating temperature. The needle is quick to move off cold just seems to stop a little over 1/4. I have checked to make sure the fans are not running as I replaced the control module last summer. Everything seems fine.

It is cold here but nothing abnormal and I don't remember this in previous winters.

Do I have any reason for concern or should I just wait for additional problems?

 

Im under the impression that mine is stuck open. I can let it idle for 10 minutes and it will barely get of of cold. I have to drive it for a while before the gets just below half way. Also the heater doesnt seem to work until after Ive driven it a while, and if I stop at a light or something the heater goes cold... lol IDK.

Yours is probably something different if it jumps off of cold pretty quick. Not sure what would make it read lower than normal though.

 

Yeah my gauge moves quickly and the heat works fine. I'll have to plug in my scangauge and get a digital reading of the temperature. If I remember right it used to run right about 200.

 

should be 180-200 ish

 

I hooked my scanner up and the temp is fluctuating between about 184 when idling to 160 when cruising on the freeway. It used to stay perfectly pegged at the same number. Is this a thermostat issue? I would have to assume it is.

 

Also do we have bleeders on our cooling systems?

 

Sounds like a thermostat to me-- FYI your lucky its sticking open and not closed! It works both ways.

 

I know. Running cool buys me a couple days to drive it and get it fixed.. Sticking closed and I am getting it towed somewhere.

 

yeah, thermostat...

 

Fixed the thermostat. Everything is perfect again.

 

I feel like mine is going but not 100% sure. Could it be that it is so cold here in ohio? It was -8 this morning, and when at stop lights the heater would blow less hot air (not cold tho, just warm). The temp gauge got up to the normal spot just below the logo and stayed there. When I would start driving the heat would get warmer. Anyone notice there car struggles to warm up when its below 0?

 

This is usual when it's extra cold. I have this experience on 2 cars and a coworker with a 3rd type of car says the same.

 

Anyone run this one?

MOTORAD Part # 7281180 More Info Fail-Safe
Temperature: 180F; OEM Recommended Temp (Only 14 Remaining)

$15.83

 

Just spend an additional $15 and go OEM.

 

This one says OEM. Do you have a link to the OEM one you are talking about?