temp guage

[teeph]

My explorer temp guage has been acting up. The needle used to sit about a 1/3 of the way across the guage face but now it sits barely above the cold. It will sometimes move up to the normal temp spot of 1/3 of the way across the guage but only for a second and then it moves back down. It is hard to believe the engine could heat and cool in a matter of seconds. Does anyone have an idea what is going on?

Jeff

 

[Chad Spalding]

Sounds like your thermostat is sticking open, happened to me once, just replace it and everything should work fine.

 

[BradE.]

Time for a new thermostat. They are not hard to replace and cost around $5-$6.

Since you need to drain the coolant for the thermo you might as well replace the coolant also. Make sure to burp the system when you're done!

 

[VOATMJ1]

Yep, it's the thermostat. I have a 2000 X too, and my gage was doing the EXACT same thing your's is. I'm willing to bet it is the original MotorCrap oops, I mean Motorcraft one.

My stat went with only 25,000 miles on the clock. If you change it, DO NOT get another Motorcraft one. You will wind up changing it in another 1 or 2 years if your lucky!

I have a friend who works at a Ford dealership parts counter, and they go through TONS of them, and a huge amount is done under warranty, so they keep them by the case load. I used a NAPA, I had a NAPA stat in my Bronco II for 6 years, with zero problems, and was still in there (working perfectly), when I sold it.

 

[allblack2k]

I'm having a similar problem with mine, after running the engine for about 10-15 minutes, the check gauge light comes on, and the temp needle shoots to about "H", then after about 5 seconds the light goes off and the needle goes back to normal. At first I assumed thermostat, but then some guy at Advanced Auto parts, told me it's probably the sensor. What do you guys think. I've got to fix this, 'cause my wife freaks everytime it comes on.

 

[stang95]

Thanks for the info everyone. I'll keep an eye on mine as well in my 99 xlt. Anyone see my thread about oil pressure gauge sticking when temp gets cold outside. Thanks

 

[teeph]

Thanks everyone. I changed my thermostat and coolant last night and everything is working fine.

Teeph