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I get a temp reading of N Never does it get above even if I'm climbing mtns in mid summer. I keep meaning to check and see if the previous owner perhaps removed the thermostat. I am getting (IMO) good milage up to 18 freeway (88 4x4 w/302) R M seems a logical spot to be. I also wonder if the ecu is getting a cooler temp reading? My guess is the ecu recieves its input from the coolant sensor? What is the average temp reading you guys get?
Funny you mention this...I recall my temp guage reading in the R of NORMAL until this spring. I no longer use my F150 as a daily driver (go figure with gas prices) but used it for Memorial Day weekend camping. Anyway, I'm pulling my 5th wheel and the needle stayed at the C and a little above it (didn't even hit the NORMAL reading at all). It seemed to run fine but worried me a bit. I replaced the thermostat only about 2 years ago... So I was wondering if I just need to replace the thermostat again... I would recommend you doing this myself.
Mine usually stays around the R and M most of the time. When I shut it off to go into a store, it goes between A and L when I restart it, but falls back once I start driving again. (heat soak) It also likes to creep up to A and L if it idles for a long time in hot weather.
The dash temp gauge is driven by a single wire sensor on the drivers side lower intake near the front. It's about the size of a dime and the wire pushes on a stud on the top. This sensor is not connected to the computer at all, there is a seperate 2wire sensor near the thermostat that drives the computer. If the gauge is reading low it could be a bad sensor os just a corroded connection.
these readings are all normal
the only way to know for certain the temp
is to put a thermometer in you radiator cap hole
or an aftermarket gauge on the dash
the factory gauge is notorious for landing in differant
letters of the gauge
go to the grocery store and get a meat thermometer
to drop in the top of the radiator to get a baseline reading