temp guage reading extremely low

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Dec 30, 2003 | 06:32 AM

johnappleseed

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temp guage reading extremely low

the temp guage on my 98 exp sport 4.0 seems to have stopped registering. if i run it for an extended period of time the guage will barely crack the L. any suggestions?

Dec 30, 2003 | 08:37 AM

AJobWellDone

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From: MIddletown, DE

I've had the same problem with mine for more than a year now. I've already replaced the sending unit, so I'm thinking maybe it's the guage itself. If you find the answer let me know.

Dec 30, 2003 | 09:19 AM

CobraXP

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Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Fort Smith

Have you changed your thermostat lately? If it is stuck in the open position, your X will not heat up...

P.S. - Welcome to FTE!

Dec 30, 2003 | 01:07 PM

borland

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How's your gas milage? Poor gas milage is another symptom of thermostat stuck open. When the engine runs cold, the fuel injection system runs rich.

Dec 30, 2003 | 02:22 PM

johnappleseed

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Thanks for the replies. No I have not replaced the thermostat, but the truck appears to be heating up just fine. It's worth a shot though. I had planned on replacing the sending unit this weekend, but apparently that isn't the answer i'm looking for. And the gas mileage has stayed consistent through this whole thing. Any more ideas? I'll make sure and post when i find the answer.

Dec 30, 2003 | 02:25 PM

marragtop

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Joined: May 2002

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From: Baltimore

I'd replace the thermostat first, since it really is part of normal maintenance. Also remember to get the thermostat gasket O-ring. Usually it's sold seperate.

Mike

Dec 30, 2003 | 05:04 PM

zogy

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I'll lay odds it the thermostat. I had the same problem (<50k miles). Replaced the thermostat and it was fine. One way to tell for such, is to monitor the top radiator hose while warming up the engine. It should stay cold for a while (until the thermostat opens) and then get hot all a once. If it gradually gets warm, then the thermostat is not functioning properly.

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Dec 30, 2003 | 07:35 PM

ivorycruncher

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I have a similar problem with my 95 Explorer. The gauge does work to a certain degree. While driving down the road, it generally will not go above about 1/4 of the way up the gauge (I'm talking about the part between the little white lines inside the letters). When I pull to a stop, then it might go up to about 1/3, but never more than that even when it's hot out. I'm second owner on the vehicle (got it when it had about 117k miles on it). I suspected the sender and had that replaced at the local dealership. I think it helped slightly, but not to a very noticeable degree. Maybe this is normal behaviour, but to me, it doesn't seem like a very accurate gauge this way.