Tempature Gauge Indicator Problem???

[kidkay]

Hey...

My engine cool(C) to hot(H) indicator recently has been acting up. I would drive my truck for twenty-five minutes or less and the gauge arrow would point to Hot (H). This never happen before. WTF!!! I checked my radiator and got a new radiator cap. Still having the same problem. I'm assuming I might have to change the coolant sensor. Recently, I changed my MAF and Oxygen Sensors, because my truck was experiencing cold starting. It still is experiencing cold starting, by the way.
I would appreicate any suggestions on what is causing the problem. I have a '99 Exp SOHC with 92k miles. Thanks in advance.


Kidkay

 

[canada74]

check the thermostat

 

[VOATMJ1]

Agreed, change out your thermostat, it is sticking closed.

 

[jgilbs]

also check your coolant levels

 

[kidkay]

I took my Explorer to the Ford dealership to check out my problems. They concluded that my engine is causing the problem and i should get another engine installed. Cost of new engine and install is $5400/3yr warranty. WTF!!! What to do???

 

[VOATMJ1]

WHAT??!! I would get another opinion. That is B.S.

 

[kidkay]

Originally posted by VOATMJ1
WHAT??!! I would get another opinion. That is B.S.

The first opinion cost me 293 dollars (just to check out the problem). So i'm kinda scared, dont want to get shafted again . But your right, i do need to get a second opinion.

 

[Billy177]

he probrally warped it and all the good stuff from driving it multiple times while it iverheated

 

[kidkay]

dont understand? i dont think I warped it. elborate.

 

[Billy177]

well when the nedle goes all the way up you should shutdown immediatly when the cylinder heads go through those extreme high and low temps they will eventually warp the cylinder heads

 

[kidkay]

I do this all the time (shuttin off the engine). What do you think the problem could be? Engine? I'm taking the explorer to the dealership this tuesday for a second opinion. Thx for ur replies Billy.

 

[Billy177]

i am pretty sure the thermostat is stuck closed but it is impossible to detrumine the damage over the internet because every case is different

 

[smiley1]

Spend the freeking $12 for a new thermostat (do it yourself) and drive it for a while. If it runs fine then you saved yourself 5400.

Dont sweat it. I have had bad t-stats in the past with no problems to the motor...but that was GM...

DONT TRUST THE DEALER!!!

 

[95explorer150K]

I had a problem with my gauge in my X. The gauge would shoot all the way up to H for no apparent reason. I replaced the Fan Clutch, Thermastat, and Radiator cap. Not Fixed? It still was not fixed. Gauge would still shoot up to H and stay there for periods of time and I drive it 30 minutes with the gauge stuck at H and the gauge went back down to C. It turns out my sending unit is bad. I got it replaced and the X is not acting up so far...... We will see have only had it back 2 days now. Will keep you updated.

 

[95-XLT-VT]

My 95 does the same thing, the temp gauge will stay on dead cold, then shoot up to full hot. When I first bought the truck it had no heat. A new thermostat fixed that (the newer thermostats fail in the open position causing the engine to run cool). At the same time I put in a new sending unit. The gauge read "accurately" for about two weeks, and then started shooting to full hot. With the engine running I unplugged the sensor from the engine and it still stayed pegged on hot. It has recently started staying on full cold. Since I am not loosing coolant, the engine isn't making noise, and I have decent heat I am going to continue to drive it.
I am leaning towards either a short in the wire or a bad gauge. When I have a few hours to kill and it is warm enough I am going to run a new wire from the sensor to the gauge. If that doesn't work I am thinking about putting in an aftermarket electrical temp gauge.

 

[VOATMJ1]

Originally posted by kidkay
I do this all the time (shuttin off the engine). What do you think the problem could be? Engine? I'm taking the explorer to the dealership this tuesday for a second opinion. Thx for ur replies Billy.

Kidkay, what did your second opinion say? I don't think you need a new engine! Let us know what you found out.

 

[kidkay]

I dont need a new engine. PHew!!!! I had the intake manifold o-rings changed. As a result, no cold start. X is running smoothly. Next, thing i have to fix is the Catalyic Converter. Why do dealerships have to make up s*** to make a buck? I was considering a lawsuit against them, but figured it would be a waste of my time.

 

[VOATMJ1]

File a complaint against them with the BBB (Better Business Bureau). Believe it or not, people and other business's acutally check this when dealing with companies.

Then write the dealership owner and tell him/her exactly WHY you filed a complaint against them. Your right, that was BS, that they tried to get a new engine out of you.

Of course we knew better at our Forum here. Good Luck!

 

[95explorer150K]

Well guys. It has been 5 days since I got it back from the shop and the gauge has not acted up at all. That sending unit replacement fixed it I guess. Now I have to deal with the alternator. It is making some odd noises on occasion and it is fairly loud at times. Any ideas why? Also if I install a new alternator would I have to Torque the screws down or just tighten them normally to replace it. I need a used alternator. Anyone have one? Thanks.

 

[95explorer150K]

Well Guys it did again finally after 2 weeks of driving it. The Gauge jumped up from the Half postion to the Hot Poistion. About 15 mins of driving home the gauge jumps back to normal. I do not get it. I think I might have an electrical short some where. I hope it is not in the instrument cluster. That is expensive to fix. Calling the dealer tommorrow. Maybe they have an idea. I will keep you posted.