Need help I was having the warning come and go on my car I just replaced the sensor and the car drove fine temp was still a bit low but then it seem to correct itself and moved up to 180 and then back down to the low side and the warning came back it didn't stay but every so often would pop back in. Just need to know from someone who knows the cars what should I be looking for next thanks in advance?

 

The temp is low when you start the car because the engine is cold. As it warms up, the coolant temperature rises because the thermostat is closed and the coolant is trapped around the engine as it heats. When the temperature rises above the open temperature for the thermostat, the coolant is now free to flow and mixes with the coolant in the radiator which has not been heating until now. The temperature may drop a bit after the thermostat opens but should stabilise at the "optimum" engine temperature that the car was designed for.

If your sequence is incorrect, or the engine cools or heats too much once the thermostat opens, you may need a new thermostat.

If it overheats, you could also check the coolant level to make sure everything is topped up. You can drive around for a day or two with the pressure relief valve open on the reservoir to make sure all the air is out.

 

Well I replaced the sensor and still the gauge isnt going higher than 180 I was able to take a ride for about 45 mins start with a scan tool on it and the gauge is good so looking to swap out the thermostat now.

 

"Four functions of the coolant warning light:

1. Engine coolant level too low -- light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz)

2. Engine compartment temperature too high -- light flashes slowly (0.5 Hz) (engine compartment blower might be faulty)

3. Engine coolant temperature too high -- light is lit; pointer on the right

4. Temperature sensor at water outlet faulty -- light flashes rapidly (1 Hz) ; pointer on the right

Note: The temperature warning in point three is indicated if the conditions "engine coolant temperature too high" and "engine coolant level too low" are present simultaneously."

 

When I had received the alert my temp was lower than 180 which after some detective work is causing my CEL for the SAS pump. The car never gets above 180 an thats being checked with a Snap On scan tool while driving so off to the shop for that and a newly developed leak of some kind.

 

When sitting at ilde my car will almost hit 190-200. Once moving it comes right back down to 180. If temp drops while driving below 180 check thermostat as most likely it's failing and they fail open as a fail safe.

 

I don't know why you want it higher than 180 - That is the normal operating temperature.

If your temp goes to 180 and then drops - your thermostat is toast. It is opening too much and not closing again when temperature drops.

 

lol it never makes it to 180 the scan tool read 173 at the most after a spirited drive for about 45 mins. I was just ball parking it but I also read that the working temp was closer to 190 but yup that was my thought also thermostat is toast.

 

Yes, temps should be around 190.

 

ok great thanks will update soon