Not sure if that is the problem though... my temp needle started "bouncing" about a week ago, and not sure if I am getting an accurate reading... or if there may be something else wrong that needs to be addressed... The vehicle in question is a 1995 Ford Windstar Minivan...
2006-07-29 14:42:40 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
a sticking thermostat will cause one to jump ,,up and down,,but is it actually running hot on you,,if not then you gage may be loosing ground,,this will cause the gage to not read accurate,,you can tell if the engine is hot,,bu the way i runs,,and you will also notice a smell from it,,ford vans had a ground issue when they first came out,,things would stop working ,,because of bad grounds,,i have repaired a few of them,for this problem,,check all your cables really good,,and under the dash area there is a ground block that grounds all the dash instruments,,you can make sure all the wires are hooked up on the ground block,,there is no certain way they go on,,just as long as there plugged on to one of the ground post,,this may be your problem,,i hope this help,s.
2006-07-29 15:25:27 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the thermostat will stick. This means that it will not open when the coolant reaches optimal temperature. The coolant will fail to circulate through the radiator and the vehicle will overheat. It can stick open too. If the temp hand is bouncing like you say, check the coolant level. when it gets low it can make the temp do as you describe.
2006-07-29 14:49:08 · answer #2 · answered by crazytrain_23_78 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
correct way to check a thermostat is to hang it in boiling water, but with all the trouble taking it out, just as soon change it. If the needle bounces, make sure you have enough water in the radiator. You may have air in the cooling system.
2006-07-29 15:24:32 · answer #3 · answered by kayef57 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you're very well versed in mechanical techniques and care to take a chance on scalding your hands, you'd be better off at a certified mechanic's garage. If you tell him the problem, he'll probably check the temp. of the coolant and then recommend a solution. It may be as simple as the temp. sending unit. Good luck
2006-07-29 14:50:45 · answer #4 · answered by Corky R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In your vehicle you have a section that has the temperature of the car on it such as H for hot and C for cool. If the lever is more than half way leaning toward the H you may have a thermostat problem.
2006-07-29 14:48:09 · answer #5 · answered by sweetLynn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a new coolant tempurature sensor, or sending unit. Coolant guages should not bounce for any reason. It sounds like the sending unit.
NOTE: Could be the guage, dont rule it out until your sure.
2006-07-29 15:01:00 · answer #6 · answered by jasonp2020 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be the temperature sensor shorting out.
2006-07-29 14:51:21 · answer #7 · answered by Ironball 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if the engine don't get hot then it is either electrical problem or burnt fuse
2006-07-29 15:03:06 · answer #8 · answered by freedom usa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take it to a professional mechanic
2006-07-29 14:45:43 · answer #9 · answered by geetarpicker04 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it over heats
2006-07-29 14:48:08 · answer #10 · answered by scottfamilytribe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋