I had a bad service done a while ago and the mechanic didn't put coolant in the rad and the car ran for a couple of weeks before I really noticed and had it drained and re-filled properly. Since then when I'm driving the temperature gauge goes to low and the 'check engine' warning light comes on. If the car is idling the temp gauge goes to normal, but within a couple of miles the gauge goes low again. The car has been serviced since but there's been no change. It only happens if the outside temp is 5 or less and as I live in Scotland that's quite a lot! Any ideas?
2007-01-24 22:43:45 · 8 answers · asked by Trizzy 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The thermostat is either stuck open or missing.
At idle the engine warms up, when you drive more cold air is forced through the radiator and around the engine making it cooler. The thermostat is there to close down and restrict the coolant circulation to make the engine run warmer. If it is missing or stuck open then the engine will cool off as it drives in cold weather.
2007-01-24 22:49:04 · answer #1 · answered by shovelkicker 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whats happening is that the natural cooling of the fan in your car bringing in the fresh air is cooling off the engine... Now, this is actually a normal thing and a natural thing that happens... Nothing wrong with the coolant system... It's just cooling off due to the cool air... My car does the same thing, especially if I am going really fast down the high way, the speed of the air cools the engine, and it's not unusual during the summer time for the car to be fine down the highway and then almost overheat once I've pulled into a neighborhood and almost about to stop...
2016-05-24 07:05:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say your thermostat is stuck open. Get it replaced and until you do...place some cardboard in front of your radiator to restrict the amount of cold air running across it. It may not look the prettiest if it is visible at all, but you won't freeze to death either.
2007-01-24 22:53:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
your thermostat is stuck open, find a good garage and have a new one fitted,it is a simple job and should cost about £30 done by them, or £7 done by yourself, but if you nothing about cars let them do it
2007-01-24 22:59:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Try going to a better mechnic tell him your cars problems and supervise him to make sure he doesn't mess up you'r car again
2007-01-24 22:49:34 · answer #5 · answered by Fergie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check to see if your pollen filter has been taken out
2007-01-25 08:00:08 · answer #6 · answered by hewhodoesnotwashup 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Air in system.
2007-01-24 22:47:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
thermostat has to be prime suspect.
2007-01-28 05:16:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋