zpn_by
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- November 5, 2012
- Messages
- 123
- Reaction score
- 3
- City, State
- Ontario
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2002 Explorer EB
Hi everyone - I hope some Canadians or northern Americans can offer some tips.
Background: Coolant is fresh and full, no blend door issues, climate controls work fine. I have a 2002 Eddie 4.6 without the tow package, but with the stock engine-mounted fan.
Problem: every winter my truck has a hard time getting up to operating temperature, and when on the highway, it can't generate enough heat to overcome the cold air coming in through the grille. I was out yesterday in -14C on the freeway and actually got my engine light for P0125 - Insufficient Coolant Temp ... closed loop operation.
I cleared the code and rigged a piece of cardboard in front of the upper grille (not blocking the bumper inlet) to try and get a little more temp from it for the drive home. I was lucky enough that it worked and was able to go the whole way with no further trouble. Of course because the truck runs cold enough that it's just crossed into open loop, there is very little heat coming out too, which makes the drive uncomfortable for me and the family - the heated seats only work on your bum and not for the kids in back...
Question: have any of you come up with a solution to the cold operation problem (on a budget) which will let my engine retain more of the heat it generates? If anyone knows of a product or an inexpensive fix it would be much appreciated! Pictures could help too, if it's a homemade solution. I do plan to change to an electric fan in the new year, but it's not in the cards to fabricate that, or to try scouring the parts from the wreckers right now.
Thanks everyone!
Background: Coolant is fresh and full, no blend door issues, climate controls work fine. I have a 2002 Eddie 4.6 without the tow package, but with the stock engine-mounted fan.
Problem: every winter my truck has a hard time getting up to operating temperature, and when on the highway, it can't generate enough heat to overcome the cold air coming in through the grille. I was out yesterday in -14C on the freeway and actually got my engine light for P0125 - Insufficient Coolant Temp ... closed loop operation.
I cleared the code and rigged a piece of cardboard in front of the upper grille (not blocking the bumper inlet) to try and get a little more temp from it for the drive home. I was lucky enough that it worked and was able to go the whole way with no further trouble. Of course because the truck runs cold enough that it's just crossed into open loop, there is very little heat coming out too, which makes the drive uncomfortable for me and the family - the heated seats only work on your bum and not for the kids in back...
Question: have any of you come up with a solution to the cold operation problem (on a budget) which will let my engine retain more of the heat it generates? If anyone knows of a product or an inexpensive fix it would be much appreciated! Pictures could help too, if it's a homemade solution. I do plan to change to an electric fan in the new year, but it's not in the cards to fabricate that, or to try scouring the parts from the wreckers right now.
Thanks everyone!
