Check engine temp message+temp needle at 50%

[cedarwoodron]

Last Saturday I had a check engine temp message on my Merc Mountaineer 2003 (V-6), Stopped at a gas station & turned off the car. Checked fluid level- it was right at low mark of cold on the plastic bottle (with warmed
up engine). Restarted and temp hovered at 50% on needle gauge
(just below 1/2way) as I drove.

Last 2 days, at cold start, temp climbs to 50% in 5-10 minutes (Florida), then spikes to 75%, then resettles at just below 50% on gauge. I have avoided using AC but have not seen repeat of message center warning as
I saw several days ago. I have not added any fluid yet.

Any feedback on this issue?

Thanks in advance for your assistance and advice.

Cedarwoodron

 

[jrford]

When it spikes or climbs is the engine actually getting hot? I carefully touch the top hose and sense the temp with your fingers. Does it seem boiling hot?

Two things, either the engine is getting hot or it thinks it is.
If the hose is hot then the thermostat could be getting stuck or
That could also be a 'classic' symptom of the temp sensor going bad, someone just posted a similar problem but they thought it was the cluster.