Reading the temp gauge
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Georgia
Reading the temp gauge
I dont know if I have a problem or not. We just got back from dropping off the kids as the in-laws. It is 92 degrees out and humid here in Atlanta. The temp gauge is fluxuating. It will run just below the little temp symbol but when you get a load on the engine above 2000 rpm (running about 75mph) the needle will move up. It will move up just above the top of the symbol but that is it. The a/c is on and blowing nice and cold. It will drop back down to the same spot almost below the symbol untill you put a load on the motor. It never got up high, about 3/4 in the normal range. I had the system flushed and a new replacement thermostat. I know the pump is working because I can see the fluid going into the overflow and it increases when the rpms go up. Should I try a cooler thermostat? I've never dealt with a Ford gauge before. I thought the needle really should not move at all.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,517
Likes: 3
From: SE Wyoming
First you do not run a cooler thermostat, these engine are made to run around 210* and need the 192* thermo. Second when was this "system flushed and a new replacement thermostat"? As long as it is in the normal range it is fine, if you recently had this flush there could be air bubbles working their way through that are throwing the sensors off. If the truck truly overheats it will go into limp mode to save the engine.
Also it helps to describe where the needle is at in relation to the NORMAL letters, i.e. it was at the R or the A. Mine usually sits between the O and R but I have seen it go to the A after pulling a large hill in hot weather and the fan not coming on.
Also it helps to describe where the needle is at in relation to the NORMAL letters, i.e. it was at the R or the A. Mine usually sits between the O and R but I have seen it go to the A after pulling a large hill in hot weather and the fan not coming on.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Georgia
The truck just had a coolant flush, thermostat and cap this weekend. The truck started doing this and prompted me to have that service done. As far as the needle there are no letters. Just a thermometer symbol and then what I call the normal range due to the line that starts and continues upward to another line then a pause and then the red. I've never seen a temp gauge move so much. Maybe the switch is bad but most all the vehicles I drive the temp needle stays pretty much in the same spot all the time.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,762
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From: St Louis
Please start by identifying your vehicle, including which engine you have. Different models use different methods to obtain engine operating parameters and to drive the gauge.
The general rule of thumb is that if the gauge stays in the NORMAL range, it's normal.
The general rule of thumb is that if the gauge stays in the NORMAL range, it's normal.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Georgia
Sorry, it is a 2000 Excursion 2wd with the 5.4 in it. The only reason i'm concerned is after all this time it has never moved off the under halfway mark untill now. I know normal is normal but when my wife and kids are about to make a 3000 mile trip and now the gauge wants to dance around i'm not going to take chances. Other folks here have told me about ford gauges but not to ignore it. I'd like to find a problem in the early stage before it becomes a major problem.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Georgia
Yep, problem is resolved. It was the radiator. I drove it today over 40 miles on the interstate with the a/c full blast running 75mph in 95 degree heat and the needle did not move at all from just under half or where you can still see the circle at the bottom of the thermometer symbol.
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