Temp Gauge Does not Remain Steady

[biot]

I have a 1994 Ford Explorer, V6-4.0, that has a temperature gauge whose indicator needle goes from the O of the NORMAL to a little past the L of NORMAL. It stays there for about a minute and then returns to the O again where the process repeats itself continuously throughout the day. If I put the A/C temperature control on OFF and/or MAX, the needle will stay in the O position, regardless of whether the A/C is on and or off. I changed the thermostat thinking it might be getting stuck, but it did not help. The temperature continues to fluctuate if I move the A/C control from the OFF and/or MAX position. Does anyone have any idea why this is happening?

 

[live2_4x4]

Hey Wait.... ME TOO

I have been chasing this problem(although I dont know about the a/c switch )for about 6 months now with no luck. I have replaced the thermostat, temp sending unit, engine temp sensor, flushed the rad and cooling system, and replaced the rad cap, still no luck.... anyone got any ideas since mine haven't helped yet?

 

[biot]

Temp Gauge Doesn not Remain Steady

Put your A/C in the Off and/or MAX position and let me know if it remains steady. I'm curious to see if doing that would have the same effect it does on mine.

 

[Jason94sport]

Did you try to change the coolant temp sensor? It's a little thing by the thermostat housing. My guage always read cold. I changed that it it functions close to normal. However when warmed up, my gauge us just in-accurate I think cause it's always on the hi side.

 

[biot]

I have not changed the coolant temp sensor, but the temp stays normal when I leave the A/C control in Max and/or OFF. What the connection between leaving the A/C control in OFF and/or Max is with the temperature gauge remaining normal - I have no idea. Since I live in Miami, I usually have the A/C control in Max anyway, except on those occassional days in Winter when the days get cold. I would like to solve the problem, though.

 

[live2_4x4]

As soon as I can

I dont drive the x every day but I will Try to make trip soon to find out. Hopefully in the next day or two I can find the time. I will let you know asap

 

[Rhett]

Man, we all have 1994 Explorers in this thread, which is odd. The temp gauge on my truck does not wander when I'm driving normally. It will (of course) go up to the high-side of NORMAL if I rev out the engine (such as when passing or hard acceleration), but then within short order it will drop down to the center of the gauge.

I would very much look at the coolant temp sensor.

 

[fastpakr]

More weirdness (and another 94 Explorer): When I bought mine, the temp gauge would shut off after the truck had warmed up. A few days later, it returned to normal (for about a month). Two weeks ago, I noticed that the warm shutoff issue had returned, followed a couple of days later by the gauge's new (and continuing behavior) of being midrange when cold, and going (VERY quickly) all the way past high to the end of the gauge within a couple of minutes of starting.

 

[live2_4x4]

O.K. I went for a drive last night with the heater control in the off postion and tried it in max a/c too, my temp guage still wanders around as it did before.... so now how do we fix these ..... anybody?????

 

[Lt.Jim]

I had the same problem with my 94x just befor the water pump went out. Had water pump, thermostat and belt tensioner replaced and now my temp guage dose not go past the O on normal.

 

[Rhett]

Water pump, oh, good suggestion to those of you with this problem..
That and stat and coolant temp sensor and I bet you'll fix your problems.

This would be really weird if only 94 Explorer owners replied to this thread, hehe.

 

[Maniak]

Another thing it could be pressure loss.

Check your radiator cap (or replace it).. If it is weak, it will let the pressure out, lowering the boiling point (and letting out water) which will allow it to boil and get warm.

16PSI works better than the 13PSI most books call for, especially in the hotter climates.

If the cap isn't it, something else could be letting the pressure out. (loose hose clamp etc)..

~Mark

 

[cmiksa]

I just started having the same problem with my '96. I'm leaking a little coolant, looks like it's coming from the water pump. I plan to replace the pump and thermostat this week.

 

[shawnasexplorer]

i have the same promblem here.replace water pump,raditor,raditor cap,theromstat,tempture sending and still have a wandering gauge

 

[86caprirs]

I have a 92 that does the same thing on the first drive. Goes to the L then drops off to the O.Just when i first start to drive after the vehical sits for a while.Wor or overnite.......still operates ok as far as i know. I should mention i drive up a long steep hill in the AM but it does it when i leave work too.

 

[ejbeach]

My parents 96 does the same thing, the gauge never sits still. We just figured it was the characteristics of the vehicle.... ha ha, but I am going to try the heater in the off position thing.

I remember reading a TSB about this problem somewhere. Maybe a dealer can help??

 

[shawnasexplorer]

i have the same promblems with my 92 and found the gauge and the anti slosh module bad

 

[huskyfan23]

I just noticed mine does this. I'm thinking my coolant mix is off. Also, when I changed the thermostat about a year ago I lost one of the 3 bolts that hold the housing on. I just installed it with the 2. Could missing one bolt have any effect? Thanks.

 

[86caprirs]

Anti slosh mod???????that is for the fuel gauge.

 

[natedogco2007]

has anyone tried replacing the fan clutch? i hear that they can go bad and then go good again. i heard that from a mechanic. i would try that. it sounds possible. let me know