HOT!

[Elephant_Berls]

What would cause a 1999 explorer 4.0 to overheat. Recently (1-2 months ago) we were in heavy traffic and the damn temprature gauge peged on hot and the check gauge light was on. Well lately it was fine and just a few days ago i noticed it was doing it again. Today i took about a 10 mile trip at about 60mph and it was all the way up near hot. When you slow down itll go all the way and the check gauge will light up. any ideas. I checked the water and it looks fine.

 

[Doug]

I had a similar problem in my truck and it turned out to be the thermostat. I'd try pulling out the t-stat and driving it around with it out and seeing it it over heats. its also possible you need a radiator flush or its possible your waterpump is going bad.

 

[rydinhigh]

Change out the t-stat. They are about $4 from a local parts store.

 

[steve2K3]

I drive an '99 4.0 as well and the EXACT same thing happened with me and when i took it to the shop it turned out to be the t-stat.

 

[rydinhigh]

Just a fyi for you guys, if your driving and your temp guage starts going up turn the heat on. I know that your not going to want to hear that but it will bring the temp of the truck back down.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Yep, that's very true about putting the heat on. It came very handy a couple of times in my other vehicle.

I changed the Thermostat as well at 50k miles. I bought one at Autozone for $7 with the right part number and when I went to switch it, it was half the size of the original. I returned it and got the right ones at Pep Boys for $24.

 

[Elephant_Berls]

my dad said that also. When it cools down were going to take it out and see if thats it.