My car will read an average temp if I am driving in the city or traffic (stop and go) and the temp will read normally if I allow the car to idle for a period of time. Is my thermostat stuck open? If the temp is reading normally and I turn the heat on the temp will quickly drop all the way down.
2007-04-20 05:46:15 · 7 answers · asked by Jessica O 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It could be a leaky thermostat or you could be way low on coolant, and the level is dropping below the sensor when the engine goes faster or the heater circulates coolant.
2007-04-20 11:06:34 · answer #1 · answered by Nomadd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop and go traffic is the hardest possible scenario to cool the engine, not much airflow across the radiator and you are relying on the electric fan to pull air from outside across the radiator. The reason it drops down when you start cruising at 40 to 50 mph is that you are now moving cooler, 50 mph air across the radiator cooling the coolant down to probably more normal temp. Almost all electric fan cars get a little too warm for my liking in traffic and at idle. It really has nothing to do with engine speed and contrary to what was said earlier, your engine uses less gas after the point where the transmission shifts into overdrive than before it shifts. If you are concerned, have someone that knows check your cooling system and if checks out ok, see if they are knowledgable in obd II and have them reprogram your computer to kick on the fans at a lower temp. reading.
2007-04-20 15:58:57 · answer #2 · answered by racer8899 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds normal to me
although a good thermostat will keep the coolant @ normal temp about 195-215 degrees
if the temp drops when you are crusing @ a fairly high speed 40-70 mph then your thermostate might be too small
anyway I wouldn't worry about it unless the engine starts getting too hot that is when you can be looking @ high repair bills
Most thermostats will not become stuck open because of thier design, but I have heard of a few highway driven cars that have had this happen.
2007-04-20 13:24:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because any speed over approximately over 45 mph switches into the next gear which takes more gas yet makes your engine work less.
2007-04-20 12:50:44 · answer #4 · answered by Strahl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You answered your own question. Yes thermostat stuck open.
2007-04-20 13:21:36 · answer #5 · answered by pappy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
change thermostat
2007-04-20 12:59:29 · answer #6 · answered by smokey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is normal ,so far.
I guess You live, up north.
2007-04-20 12:59:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋