rickolis

Hi all,

I had a major 90k tuneup performed in December 2010 and since then, the engine takes slightly longer to crank and I've noticed abnormalities with the temperature sensor. It seems to be taking a lot longer for the car to warm up, and while driving, the temperature tensor almost never reaches midpoint (90c). When I park and idle for a few minutes, I notice that the temp does reach midpoint... but when I start driving again, it will gradually drop back down.

I've taken a YouTube video of what's happening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vEjBe4TClE&hd=1

Have any of you had any similar experiences, and what did you do to fix it?

Thanks!
Rick

mscav

Mine has started doing this too. I have similar mileage, but haven't done any work on it recently that would affect cooling. I'd be interested to find out what the issue is.

Here in New England it has always taken a while to warm up in the winter, but I did notice this year that the temp gauge rarely reaches the midpoint unless I'm doing a decent speed on the highway - it didn't always do that. And it seems to cool down faster at idle or coasting, where in previous winters I'd have to coast down a long hill to notice the temp drop.

rickolis

A couple weeks ago when I drive from Portland, OR to Seattle, WA, doing 70mph almost all the way, the temperature needle never really stuck around 90c, it was always around 75-80c.... in the past 5 years I've had the car, the temperature needle usually stayed at 90c once it reached that point. Now I'm noticing that the needle only really reaches 90c after I've driven it some and then idle it. Then when going on freeways, the needle will drop.

nickstock

Holy cow...I've noticed exactly the same thing on mine too. Takes a bit longer to reach midpoint where it's always settled for many years...I wonder if the thermostat is giving up the ghost....anybody noticed a concomitant drop in mpg?

Nick

smetki

Just started noticing this issue aas well at 75k with also engine hesitatation problems. A little bit of coolant was also missing, but the engine was clean, except old dry cooland on the engine mount below the exhaust.

%myst%

nobody has an explanations? mine too at 110k

DoThisMyWay

Thermostat spring is weak and not expanding. I was having the same issue as all the posters above, replace the thermostat and problem solved.

vannyhuj

Affirm, sounds like thermostat is stuck open. At that high of mileage with the timing belt service most recommended replacing the thermostat as well since you are already in there. There is also potential that the engine coolant temp sensor is bad, but based on what you all have said, it sounds like the thermostat.