Hey guys, so the wife's 2011 Expedition XLT is having some intermittent temperature issues. I say intermittent because there are days when she is driving it that the temperature gage on the dash stays in the middle (normal range). Other times (and it seems to be more common now) about 5-10 minutes of regular driving around town the temperature will spike high on the gage and remain high for the rest of the time.

So far I have noticed the level of the coolant reservoir slowly lower which I have topped off each time. I found a small leak from the tee fitting on a hose on the passenger side (not sure of hose number). I repaired the tee fitting and she drove it this morning. Within 5 minutes of her leaving the house she said it was hot again. A little while later (about 25 minutes or so) she said it was down (for now).

I've got a replacement thermostat to install today but I'm not sure if anyone else has had similar issues and knows the fix. I don't want to be start easter-egging this thing.

 

Repaired how? Has it stopped leaking? That is a high-pressure hose so it would be wise to replace it. I replaced that T and the other 2 heater hoses as well. I paid about $50 for all 3 from Rock Auto. As for the thermostat, I suggest a Stant SuperStat over the Motorcraft. The replacement Motorcraft tstat is complete garbage.

 

You need to check the coolant temperature with a thermometer to verify the gauge or sender isn't bad. It's quite possible it's not overheating at all and the gauge is wrong.