coolant temp. gauge problem
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4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
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coolant temp. gauge problem
Goodmorning, I have a 2001 Ford f150 5.4L supercrew. Im experiencing abnormality on my Dash Display for the coolant gauge. Normally when the vehicle is started the coolant temperature gauge goes to the 1/2 mark between Hot and cold seems its the default. Recently, During start up the gauge will not move and stays at the bottom "C", but curiosly it will move to the Normal range after warming up for a few minutes. This is not how the gauge was operating as long as ive owned the truck. Ive read others threads where theyve had problems with the gauge not working at all, but none where it operates normally after 5 mins. I was looking for help on if someone thinks its the Coolant temp sending unit or the Thermostat? Or something different altogether. or if another part sends that info to the gauge? any thoughts appreciated note: I did check that the upper radiator hose was warm/hot after 5min of idling, I believe one could assume the thermostat is working in some fashion, I have a new thermostat on its way in the mail as well.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
Likes: 1,079
From: St Louis
During start up the gauge will not move and stays at the bottom "C", but curiosly it will move to the Normal range after warming up for a few minutes.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1,356
Likes: 376
From: WA
My 2003 functions as projectSHO89 describes. Shows cold right after start, then slowly moves up to midway while driving. Maybe you just became aware and it's been doing that since you owned it. No need to change anything, you'll probably just create new problems.
I tend to be aware of the gauges since I used to own an old car with a set of real gauges with real numbers, that had engine problems. It's habit now.
I tend to be aware of the gauges since I used to own an old car with a set of real gauges with real numbers, that had engine problems. It's habit now.
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4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2024
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ok thank you for your reply. ive owned this vehicle for 6 months and Im certain the temp has been reading at half way upon start up. I understand things dont usually go from not working properly to working efficiently, I will take the advice that there is nothing wrong with the Coolant temp gauge and whats being displayed and I may even have be mistaken. Thanks for the feedback-
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,331
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From: Near Salt Lake City
You turn the key on cold and the gauge should read cold
Only after warmed up should the gauge move away from cold
There are resistance specs for the temp gauge sender in the service manual
Most likely just needs a new sender
New sender is cheap and easy
Well.
Cheaper than any diagnosis you will have done anyway
Only after warmed up should the gauge move away from cold
There are resistance specs for the temp gauge sender in the service manual
Most likely just needs a new sender
New sender is cheap and easy
Well.
Cheaper than any diagnosis you will have done anyway
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