I never noticed this before and don't know whether it's normal. The temp gauge is reading about 1/4 scale, it produces enough heat in the cab in the winter. Could the thermostat be faulty or should the gauge be reading 1/4 scale. All other vehicles I owned, the gauge is usually about 1/2 scale.
Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Your thermostat could be stuck open.

 

My sister's car has the same thing going on. If you bought the truck used, as we did her car, the thermostat may have been replaced with a colder running one. Some people get flustered when their car overheats because the thermostat goes bad, so they go for a colder thermostat thinking "that way it'll never happen again".

If you bought it new and this just started happening, then maybe I'd replace the thermostat. it's cheap, so even if it does nothing you're only gonna be out something like five bucks. Plus it's usually a pretty easy fix.
I wouldn't worry too much about it. Now if it was reading 3/4 scale all the time that would be another story.

 

Yup, bought it used.

Sounds like the 3/4 scale would be the one to be concerned about. Next time I go by the car shop I'll pick up a thermostat just to be sure.
Thanks a million.

 

I have a 2001 F150 with the 4.6 and my gage never goes over 1/4 either. I think its normal.

 

I think the gauge going up 1/4 is normal mine does the same. My heat gets really warm.

 

I have a 2000 4.2 and the guage reads 1/2 up. Isn't that weird?
-Matt

 

2001 150 super crew (5.4) with 70K does same thing, 1/4 scale. I was wondering as well.

 

I can add my '98 F-150 4.6L to the list...goes to 1/4 and stays there...even pulling a trailer over 7% grades.

I suspect that the guage really isn't a guage at all...at least not in the true sense of the word. Maybe it's similiar to Ford's phony oil pressure guage...that one's not really a guage...just a step above an idiot light...it just moves the needle to a point slightly above half...and sits there...as long as you have a minimum of about 7psi....

Ford should be ashamed of themselves for installing things like thst in their vehicles.

Does anyone know the specs of the water temp "guage"? Mine gradually rises to the one-quarter mark...and then acts as if it's glued there. A true guage would not do that.... Maybe there's a range of temps that it finds "normal"...above which it would move the needle up to a higher mark? I'd really like to know it's characterics...can anyone help here?

Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

the shop manual says it will read between 1/3 and 1/2 and the temps can be from 170-215 in that area.

 

Does anyone know where to install a tranny temp guage? Where is the port to install the probe? I will be installing one for towing a camper next summer. Just sold the tent camper and will be buying a travel trailer soon.

Thanks again guys.