I have a 1998 Ford Contour with 70,000 miles. Last night I discovered that the temperature gauge was all the way on red. Having just arrived home, I immediately parked the car, and let it sit overnight in 55 degree Fahrenheit weather. This morning, I turned the key just partway, and the temperature gauge immediately went to hot (actually past red, all the way to the right). The engine was obviously cold having sat all night.
Water pump was replaced in January 2007. Air conditioning stopped working in September 2006, and has been to the mechanic for attempted fixes in January 2007 and May 2007. A/C seemed to work for a couple weeks after the May attempt, but is now not working again.
I'm calling the mechanic on Monday morning to schedule service, but logistically would like to drive the car to/from work through this Friday (20 miles roundtrip). Is this risking overheating, or do these symptoms just sound like an incorrect temperature reading? Thanks.
2007-07-01 15:14:15 · 11 answers · asked by Linda 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
to me its sounds like the sending unit might be bad in it,and that will cause this to happen,if you couldn't smell it getting hot or it didn't seem hot to you when you came in,id think it has a faulty sending unit or a gage on it,but don't drive it if you think it might be running hot, you run to much of a risk of doing some major damage to the engine,and its not worth it,id have it towed back to the mechanic or another one,at least someone who could repair it,good luck hope this helps.
2007-07-01 15:23:09 · answer #1 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Did you happen to notice if steam or coolant was coming out from under the hood? Look under your car to see if you see any liquid puddled.
If you did not see anything, chances are the temperature sensor has malfunctioned.
Call your mechanic and explain your concerns and findings. Ask for his recommendation.
Good luck.
2007-07-01 15:27:35 · answer #2 · answered by Steven H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have a bad temperature sending unit. That's all. The car is safe to drive. Just get the temperature sending unit replaced.
2007-07-02 01:34:09 · answer #3 · answered by morganjlandry 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's likely your sending unit is bad or the wire from the gauge to the sending unit is grounded. Even so, probably not a good idea to drive it until you fix it. If it were to really overheat you may not know it until to late.
2007-07-02 03:03:00 · answer #4 · answered by Hondu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bad temp guage i'd say. Check your water level run it around the block a couple of times or let it set and run for 10-15 mins then check your water to see if it's boiling over or low.If it's not drive on..Good luck
2007-07-01 15:21:30 · answer #5 · answered by less 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like a coolant temperature sensor.
2007-07-01 15:18:11 · answer #6 · answered by slayer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a bad coolant temp sensor, or the wiring between the gauge and the sensor.
2007-07-01 15:20:26 · answer #7 · answered by richard b 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i wouldnt risk driving it,i had that proplem last week,it turned out to be my air conditoner,the mechanic didnt fix it right,never drive it if it goes straight to hot.you risk blowing up the engine..good luck
2007-07-01 15:24:30 · answer #8 · answered by tammy g 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check the sensor, but it most likely needs a gauge. check with the dealer for recalls first. i think their was on on that. good luck!
2007-07-01 20:51:14 · answer #9 · answered by keith_19798@yahoo.com 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe you need to check your coolant,even if it was low that still wouldn't make your car hot.its ok just dont make long drives with it,if you have coolant then you should be ok.
2007-07-01 15:20:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋