is this normal operating temp(pic)
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: OR
I believe your themostat got stuck in open position..my audi in the same way..it's not going to hurt the engine..but for a long run..replace the themostat...because the radiator fan will not be kick in until it reach the middle point (which in your case will never happen)..so your engine area will get a little hotter if you drive locally for a long distance....
maybe its the thermostat i dunno, but heres the DIY tut. http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/cooling/thermostat.html
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 67
Likes: 1
From: MA
If the thermostat is good then you'll get good heat after driving only 2-3 miles.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
Mine only goes slightly higher than this pic. It starts below the cold line and then moves up after a few minutes, plenty of heat. I have replaced pretty much everything that has to do with the cooling system...thermostat, sender, sensor, fluid flush...they had no effect on the gauge. Then I replaced all the caps in my circuit board, and I mean all, again no change. Right now I think the needle itself is just stuck and won't go any higher. So, I say don't worry about it.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Ca
Is your car get the heating really hot or just normal hot? Also is the gauge move to the middle before it drop to that point? it can be the gauge or thermostat problem. The thermostst stuck open may cause engine problem for long run, because the engine can't run at steady temp(hot, cold, hot, cold) may cause aluminum cylinderhead warpped. So i don't want to take that risk for $20.
As long as its always been that way then I would think its just your needle. If your car is running as it should be then there is nothing to worry, When ever you take out your cluster you can retighten the screws which hold the temp needle in place. My old SC had a similar flaw, I opened it up and tightened up the screws and it fixed it.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach, FL
