Thermostat problem?

[truspartan]

New to the forum, first-time post. I'm having a couple different issues with my 94 XLT. She has 125K on her and runs really well overall.

My question...the temp gauge does not make it off the cool setting (the needle only goes 1/8" - 1/4" no matter how long it's driven. In the winter, with the heat on, I can feel semi-warm air coming out which is enough to defrost the windows eventually, but on my 15 min drive to work, doesn't heat up all that much.

Is this a thermostat problem? I also noticed that if it sits parked and running it will warm up a bit, but when I take off the cabin cools down fairly quickly....is there just a lot of cold air coming in from somewhere?

Thanks in advance for the help

Sincerely, Automotively challenged

 

[bigred93explrer]

It looks like your t-stat is stuck open allowing coolant in the engine at all times. That means that heater is not going to work very well. I would replace the t-stat as it is only like a $5-8 part.

 

[wrc123]

I had the same exact issue on my 94 two years ago. The heat was luke warm and the temp. gauge barely moved. A new thermostat cured it. The part is cheaop and if you don't want to put in in yourself, it is not that expensive to have a shop install it.

 

[truspartan]

Thanks all...I appreciate the input. I'll take a look tonight to see if it's something I can get at or not. Is it a hard job to do? ie, do I have to take anything else apart to get at the t-stat?

 

[bigred93explrer]

It is not very hard even if you arent very mechanically savvy like myself. I have done it a few times. I just take off the whole intake tube and the cover that covers the throttle cable. After doing that it isnt very hard to get to it.
Towards the bottom of this thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110994 it tells you the easiest way to get to one of the bolts that is kinda stubborn. You just really need a ratchet, extensions, and sockets(cant remember what size it is and im not home right now to check it) and then the T-stat(make sure you get the gasket for it that is sold seperately). You will also need a bucket and maybe a piece of tubing to drain the coolant so it is below the T-stat. If the coolant hasnt been changed in a while you may want to pick up a couple gallons of prestone to replace it(make sure you mix with water).

 

[kdogg212001]

i also have a t-stat question, on my 94 xlt my temp guage will warm up then when its warm the car seems to run really warm (between r and m on the guage) i think thats kinda high sometimes it can get between m and a, but over all performance is perfect, almost perfect!!! any help??

 

[jgilbs]

could be intermittently sticking closed. time for a new tstat.

a VERY useful tool for this job is a flex-shaft for your socket set. it will help u get that pesky 3rd bolt.

 

[EBInterceptor]

Forget about mixing the coolant if you flush it, just buy the pre-mixed stuff. The smell of coolant gives me nightmares. Thermostat changes are a relatively easy, I personally don't want anything to do with coolant ever again!! It's not that it was hard, just having to trouble shoot and having over heating problems just pushed me to the edge.

If you have another vehicle, remove the t-stat first and bring it with you to the auto parts store. There have been many times when Napa and Autozone have had incorrect part numbers. It took about 3 trips and a micrometer to finally get the correct parts on the last project I worked on.