Re: [DML] Odd Temperature Gauge

[Chris Almy <chris.almy@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

My D used to behave the same way. Only sitting in traffic would the needle 
pass the 1/4 mark. When I replaced the water pump and thermostat, the 
needle would then go to the 1/4 mark and stay there. This confirmed that my 
old thermostat was sticking open since the temperature gauge was untouched.

You can check for a stuck thermostat by starting the car when it's cold and 
turning on the heater. When the air starts to get warm, the coolant inside 
the engine block is now warm. Turn the car off and check the radiator. 
Before I replaced the thermostat, it would be slightly warm too. After I 
replaced the thermostat, it was cold.

I also discovered this is why I failed my first emissions test. The car 
couldn't get up to full operating temperature before I took my first test. 
The second time I had to wait in line and temp rose to the 1/4 mark and passed.

Chris
VIN 4099

At 08:34 AM 12/18/2005 +0000, you wrote:
>I've generated some recent questions on the AZ-D message board about
>whether my car is running too cold during the winter.  If the car is
>moving, the gauge sits around 1/8.  If in heavy traffic, the gauge
>slowly gets to the 1/4 mark and the fans kick in.
>
>At first glance the 1/4 mark lies halfway between 100 and 220, or 160.
>At 1/8, my car would be running around 130.  Brr!  Otterstat kicks in
>early too.





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