Temp gauge

[colecifer]

For as long as I had the car, which is the last few years, my temp gauge barely registers past the C. Recently it started working its way to the halfway point between hot and cold. It sits about dead center in the "normal" range, but I'm not sure what to think of it. Its been running fine so far, I added some coolant but it was pretty much full and I just drove from Lincoln, NE to Kansas City, KS without any problems so I think maybe my temp gauge just all of a sudden started working again.

Any thoughts? Whats the normal reading for you guys?

 

[bluexpy]

Electrical connectors? Stale coolant? Thermostat stuck closed? Water pump quit working? Cluster?

I haven't found any information as to whether if the temperature gauge is a real one or an idiot light like the oil pressure gauge is so I can't help on the gauge reading. I'd take a candy thermometer and take a reading from the radiator after the engine is fully warmed to find its temperature.

 

[manaen]

The temp gauge is a real one, the oil gauge is fake.

 

[bluexpy]

Good to know that, manaen. Thanks!

 

[Hunnaebee]

I had my 94 for quite a few years and had the same issue with the temp gauge. Every once in a while, though, it would decide to work. The last thing I replaced on it before I sold it was the heater core... then the temp gauge all of a sudden decided to work all the time.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you ever replace the temperature sending unit or the thermostat?

 

[Hunnaebee]

I might have replaced the thermostat, but I don't remember when I did it.

 

[ma96782]

Explorer Overheating (the flush):


http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162848


My STOCK answer on over heating problems: (besides a flush or changing a radiator or water pump)

If you got the tools or access to the kit........pressure check the system.
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T-stats can be checked w/ a thermometer and a pot of hot water………or just replace them……….they aren’t that expensive.
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While running (and check again, with the engine off), make a visual check of the hoses for a hole, check for leaks at the connections. If it passed the pressure test, you should be OK. But, still check for a, "too soft" hose, which may collapse.
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Test the cap (pressure test). Or if you don‘t have the test equipment……..replace it, if you can't remember when it was last done........or if it's been more than a couple years since it was last changed.
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Perhaps, it’s time for new anti-freeze………don’t forget to mix it right.
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Fan Clutch...............when cold (engine off) try spinning the fan....it should spin freely or with very little resistance. If it won't spin.....replace.

When hot (engine off) try spinning the fan........in some cases it will feel like it's, "locked up," or it will be like there is syrup/glue holding it back. Tougher to spin, than when it was cold. If so, It's OK. If, it spins like a top.....replace.
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The fan shroud helps to keep the air moving...........don't leave it off.
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The below elec. tests are the, "cheap test methods"........there are more sophisticated tests with values, that can be run.

Test for the dash thermo gauge................disconnect the wire from the temp sender unit.........KOEO...........ground that wire.........it will peg the gauge on the hot side............disconnect from ground and it will return.

Sender unit.........if you suspect it..........replace, replacement is cheap.

Aloha, Mark