temp guage activity - Ford Explorer Ranger Enthusiasts "Serious Explorations"®

JasonF · 08-08-2002, 12:35 AM

Lately I have noticed my temp guage walking slightly from as high as 1/2 to back down to 1/4. If you keep an eye on it it is possible to watch it jump from 1/2 to 1/4 quite quickly. It doesn't seem to matter much the outside temp or whether the AC is going. Does this sound like my T-stat is on the way out, or could it be something else? Thanks!

*aldive* · 08-08-2002, 12:55 AM

Hook it up to a OBD II scanner and see what the temperature is actually doing.

The temp sender might be heading South.

JasonF · 08-08-2002, 01:01 AM

Please excuse my ignorance, but what's an OBD, where do I find one, and how much do you expect that would cost?

*aldive* · 08-08-2002, 07:25 AM

OBD = On Board Diagnostics.

O use the Auto X Ray scanner - http://www.autocheckup.com/default2.htm

PekingMan · 08-08-2002, 12:43 PM

It could be any number of things.

1) Bad coolant circulation (radiator clogged with debris)
2) Thermostat going bad
3) Temp sensor going bad (although unlikely since I have never heard of one going bad)
4) Air bubble in coolant system (although wouldn't cause that amount of temp flux that you describe)

IMHO I think you are looking at a 1). I would recommend going to Jiffy Lube or something equivalent and having the system get a high-pressure flush. While they are at at, replace the thermostat, its only a few bucks. Cost you around 50-60 bucks tops. You would be amazed at what they blow out of the radiators with a such a flush after the car has some years/miles on it.

08-08-2002, 12:35 AM	#1
JasonF Wannabe Elite Explorer 2004 XLT 4x4 4.0 Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 392 Vehicle Specs	temp guage activity Lately I have noticed my temp guage walking slightly from as high as 1/2 to back down to 1/4. If you keep an eye on it it is possible to watch it jump from 1/2 to 1/4 quite quickly. It doesn't seem to matter much the outside temp or whether the AC is going. Does this sound like my T-stat is on the way out, or could it be something else? Thanks!

08-08-2002, 12:55 AM	#2
aldive Elite Explorer Sarasota, Florida 1999 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 25,208 Vehicle Specs	Hook it up to a OBD II scanner and see what the temperature is actually doing. The temp sender might be heading South. __________________ Al Franklin My truck My Quest for 30

08-08-2002, 07:25 AM	#4
aldive Elite Explorer Sarasota, Florida 1999 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 25,208 Vehicle Specs	OBD = On Board Diagnostics. O use the Auto X Ray scanner - http://www.autocheckup.com/default2.htm __________________ Al Franklin My truck My Quest for 30

08-08-2002, 12:43 PM	#5
PekingMan Wannabe Elite Explorer Tempe, Arizona 1993 XLT 4x4 Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 338 Vehicle Specs	It could be any number of things. 1) Bad coolant circulation (radiator clogged with debris) 2) Thermostat going bad 3) Temp sensor going bad (although unlikely since I have never heard of one going bad) 4) Air bubble in coolant system (although wouldn't cause that amount of temp flux that you describe) IMHO I think you are looking at a 1). I would recommend going to Jiffy Lube or something equivalent and having the system get a high-pressure flush. While they are at at, replace the thermostat, its only a few bucks. Cost you around 50-60 bucks tops. You would be amazed at what they blow out of the radiators with a such a flush after the car has some years/miles on it. __________________ Chris "Peking Man" Cavanagh 93 XLT 4x4 - Stuff on it "I see that your swartz is as big as mine." terter1980@hotmail.com

08-08-2002, 01:01 AM	#3
JasonF Wannabe Elite Explorer 2004 XLT 4x4 4.0 Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 392 Vehicle Specs	Please excuse my ignorance, but what's an OBD, where do I find one, and how much do you expect that would cost?