erratic engine temp

[Ghosthawk]

I don't think I've ever had such a love/hate relationship with a car. I love how it looks, I love driving it, but these nagging little issues are enough to drive anyone insane.

My engine temp gauge keeps reading different ranges at different times and I can see no signs of the engine actually overheating. No visible leaks, steam hissing, anti-freeze odor, and the overflow tank still has coolant in it.

I've noticed this each time I make a bit of highway drive. I drove to Norfolk last month (about 1.5hrs) and the temp rose sharply after getting off the interstate and stayed elevated until I turned the car off. Tonight I drove to Richmond and back with no issues I noticed round trip (under 2hrs) but got back in the car a hour later to drive to work and the gauge was reading about the 220 mark.

I'm hesitant to think I've got another wonky gauge on the cluster I just installed, or the cold, sub freezing temps are messing with gauges either. Possible sticky t-stat?...or could my temp sensor be goofing?

Whatever the issue I'd like to get it resolved and I suppose I'm a bit gun-shy about engine temps after my UIM fail...no more of that please!

[myfirstbonnie]

Are the fans coming on? I know it may be too cold for the AC to kick them on, but the next time the temp goes high, pop the hood and see if the fans are running. If you know someone with a scanner or Aeroforce gauge to see what the PCM is seeing.

[david]

just remember fans dont kick on till 215 degrees or at lease on my 2000 bonne and 203 grandprix . Drove me crazy when I was having problems with my car.Changed temp sensor and thermostat ,just felt the fans didnt kick on but they were. At one point thought I had a head leak. Good luck.

[MrJiggy716]

My T stat was acting wonky on its way out causing the gauge to act off then it became stuck open and the car didn't get above 150. Swapped out and its all good. For under ten bucks you might want to try to swap it out...

[bobgto65]

if you hook up a scan tool to the car and it also shows the temp fluctuating then a thermostat or sending unit is bad.

[Ghosthawk]

Not sure what the culprit was but I decided to take no chances. I popped for a new 180 t-stat which a drilled a single 1/8 hole like the last one and grabbed a new coolant temp sensor. Both installed, system bled and refilled, and temp looks to be steady just below 200 on the gauge. Made the same run to Richmond to night to carry my grand daughter home and no issues round trip.

Feels good to be back on the love side of owning Bonnie.