Check Gage

[Bxbmbr]

I have a 2003 Ford Explorer XLT. Last week I replaced the radiator, waterpump, thermostat and housing. However, when I'm driving I get the Check Gage light and the temperature indicator raises to the hot level and within a couple of seconds comes back down to the middle and runs just fine. Can someone tell me if I need to change the coolant sensor or is there something I missed...

 

[Number4]

You need to buy something like the ATD 3306 http://atdtools.com/3306 to fill your system correctly.

What's happening most likely, is that an air pocket is forming around the thermostat. The engine heats up, but no antifreeze is flowing. As pressure builds, eventually the air in the pocket gets hot enough to open the tstat, at which point antifreeze will start to flow.

In the mean time, you risk blowing a head gasket.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_WCRcuCZI50

 

[silverfox103]

Follow this procedure, it should take care of your problem, it worked for me.

http://www.reischeperformance.com/refill.html

Tom

 

[IPcamper]

I don't know which engine you have, but for the V8 4.6, to make sure the coolant system is completely full, put it all back together except for the thermostat. Pour the coolant into the thermostat opening until level is up to the bottom of the thermostat housing, this will make sure the engine is full, then install the thermostat and fill to the top of the radiator. Run the engine for a while with radiator cap off and the cabin heat set to maximum so the heater core can purge out the air and top off the coolant as needed. Put the radiator cap on and let the engine run up to full temperature and then completely cool down, then check the level again.

 

[Number4]

Follow this procedure, it should take care of your problem, it worked for me.

http://www.reischeperformance.com/refill.html

Tom

Unfortunately Explorers don't have that crossover tube.

 

[lincolnshibuya]

I don't think the 4.6 or 4.0 has radiator cap or crossover tube, the coolant bleeding procedure for this is very simple. Fill the degas tank up to the full mark, leave it open, start the car with heater and blower to MAX (this will open up the thermostat for circulation when warm) let it run for 20-30 mins adding coolant if it goes down if necessary. turn engine off, close degas tank and let it cool down. Once it's cooled down check degas tank and add coolant if necessary and close it.

the 4.6L Lincoln continental has that crossover tube (as well as the mustang)
the Lincoln LS however since it was designed by jaguar is a freaking mess in terms of bleeding, there's a procedure to be followed exactly.. one miss and it will overheat...

 

[fordbluefamily]

What brand of thermostat? There are some real crappy ones out there that open too late/too soon. Even the Stants which used to be good are hit and miss. Monitor temps during a warm up cycle with obd2 and see what's happening. The 4.0 doesn't take kindly to overheating (blown head gaskets and warped heads) and by the time your gauge starts to go up from center, you were overheated already.

 

[Number4]

What brand of thermostat? There are some real crappy ones out there that open too late/too soon. Even the Stants which used to be good are hit and miss. Monitor temps during a warm up cycle with obd2 and see what's happening. The 4.0 doesn't take kindly to overheating (blown head gaskets and warped heads) and by the time your gauge starts to go up from center, you were overheated already.

Good point.

The gauge will hold to the center with 230°, then suddenly shoot up from there. So if it's pegged, you are in trouble.

 

[Bxbmbr]

My engine is a 4.0 V6. Thank you all to my new family!! I'll try one or the other tomorrow and I will definitely let you guys know witch one worked for me.

 

[Bxbmbr]

I did exactly what lincolnshibuya stated and I also bought a new OEM thermostat. Both worked extremely well. Thank you all for your Explorer know how..

 

[plasticseng]

On my 4.0's, I always take the thermostat housing off and fill the engine from there. Then reinstall the thermostat housing and fill the reservoir. I will let it heat up and top off the coolant as needed, but I have never had a problem doing it this way.