I think I have a bad Thermostat and my temp gauge fluctuates....?

Question

Can I Still drive my car around?? My temp gauge will hit red, then back down to the middle, then below middle, then back up to red! what's going on? what can i do? I've been told my thermostat is going bad so is it still ok to drive while the temp is up?

Answer 1

Heres a question. say you had a glove, and the fingers were cut out. your other asks you to get a pot roast out of the oven, would you stick your fingerless glove into that oven? I mean the glove itself is going to give you some protection, but since it has no fingers, your more then likely going to get burned. NO, you dont drive a car when the temp guage is in the red!
I mean if you like expensive repairs, by all means, keep driving. Your gonna be rebuilding the engine, because you didnt replace that $7 thermostat, but its your choice.
Thermostats are so easy to replace. They are cheap, and they keep you from costly repairs.
Heres a site that will give you a step by step thermostat repair>
http://www.automedia.com/Keep/Your/Eye/on/the/Thermostat/ccr20041201th/1

Answer 2

It's not the thermostat. It's almost never the thermostat. These halfwit mechanic wannabes just say that because it's the only word they know.
If the gauge is fluctuating rapidly, it's a false reading. Coolant can't change temperature that fast. The most common cause is low coolant. When the level drops below the sensor, it doesn't read right anymore. It can also be a bad ground between the engine and the frame. The sensor wire shorting to ground will also peg the gauge.

Answer 3

there's a chance of a clog on your heater middle or the thermostat you install is a larger temp thermostat than is O.E.M on your motor vehicle. that would want to reason your gauge to upward thrust a lil larger than frequent.

Answer 4

Yeah your thermostat is going out. but I'd check the fluid level first because this can cause it as well.

Answer 5

I'd drive as little as possible until you can get it in and replaced.