Need help NOW! Dashboard temperature low (possibly)
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 776
Likes: 42
From: STL MO
Need help NOW! Dashboard temperature low (possibly)
I left my truck sit for over a week. The outside temperature this mornign is not bad, only 40F. As I drive to work, I noticed the temperature reading is a lot lower than what I used to see. I took a long time (maybe 15 minutes) to see the needle moving. After driving 20 minutes lacal and 15 minute highway the needle is just a little bit past the minimum line of the "normal operating tem" range. After all those driving, I opened the hood and felt the top radiator hose is hot. The reservoir dose have coolant, though a little bit low. There is good heat when I turn on the heat. Also, as I was under the hood, I noticed a little smoke or oil vapor streaming out of the dipstick hole. Could there be anything wrong? or just me being too superspitious. The reason I want to know ASAP is that 3 hours from now, I have go on a 2 hour trip with the truck and I don't want to find it out in the middle of nowhere. Thanks a lot. Erwin
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
Likes: 5
From: Johnson City, TN.
The gauge seems a bit low but the factory gauges are nothing more than moving idiot lights. They are not very accurate. As long as it is in that big broad renge of NORMAL I wouldn't worry.
As far as the smoke/vapor more info needed. Does it dissipate like steam does when it is released? What color? How much? What does the dipstick read and is it a funny color?
As far as the smoke/vapor more info needed. Does it dissipate like steam does when it is released? What color? How much? What does the dipstick read and is it a funny color?
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 776
Likes: 42
From: STL MO
Thanksw for quick reply. It's mor like oil smoke or vapor. I'm pretty sure it's not steam. The oil level is on it's max mark. Colore is alittle dark, I know that it's time to do the change, just didn't get to it yet. Not much, a lot less than what you see from a smoker's cigaret (not from his mouth), a little puff a time, not continous.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,010
Likes: 5
From: Johnson City, TN.
I have never noticed mine doing that but if it is time to change the oil I guess it is possible. I wouldn't worry too much as long as it is running right. Maybe change the oil before you leave to be safe???
Thread Starter
|
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 776
Likes: 42
From: STL MO
That's what I thought it has always been and that's way it got me concerned this morning. Anyone piont me to the temperature sensor or sending unit?
Originally Posted by jboard
Mine is always right in the middle or just slightly below the middle of the normal range at operating temperature.
---------jeremy
---------jeremy
Trending Topics
Tuned
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 472
Likes: 4
From: Goodyear, AZ
More than likely it could be your t-stat, there is a rubber ring that after a while wears out allowing coolant to flow, and not let the engine to warm up to normal operating temps
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,903
Likes: 1
From: MICHIGAN
The coolant temp sensor is located just to the left of the thermostat...looking from the front of the truck. It has 1 wire going to it. Changing the sensor most likely won't fix it though. If you really want to know the engine temperature you need to get a real gage IMHO. I just got used to it. I can tell if the engine is too cold by the amount of heat that comes out of the vents. I have a small thermometer stuck in a vent. Good enough for me
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 0
From: Levittown
Originally Posted by Pest007
More than likely it could be your t-stat, there is a rubber ring that after a while wears out allowing coolant to flow, and not let the engine to warm up to normal operating temps
Also the PSD can have 2 coolant sensors. 1 for gauge and 1 for the light. Cuda stated location of the gauge sensor.
Bill
Last edited by MADVAN; Nov 9, 2007 at 02:21 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 0
From: Levittown
Was used up till about 96 i think in F/E series. Havent seen it in a later model (97 on).
Cuda may have 2 (96). Its on the pass side front of motor.
Bill
Cuda may have 2 (96). Its on the pass side front of motor.
Bill
Last edited by MADVAN; Nov 9, 2007 at 02:55 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 10,764
Likes: 39
Originally Posted by MADVAN
Was used up till about 96 i think in F/E series. Havent seen it in a later model (97 on).
Cuda may have 2 (96). Its on the pass side front of motor.
Bill
Cuda may have 2 (96). Its on the pass side front of motor.
Bill
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 0
From: Levittown
Rick
Your 97 will not have it. Was used short term after the IDI. I have only seen it in 94.5. Books show up till 95/96, but think its BS. Another Ford mess. PSD has no reason for use of coolant sensor other than for the fake gauge. No point in it what so ever.
On another note (hyjack). With a scanner you cannot access coolant temp do to its not connected to pin 45 of the PCM (E-series). I allway's wondered if i tapped (gauge) the coolant ckt to the pin if it can be read on the scanner.
Does F-series have pin #45 on the PCM as a coolant sensor input? E-series has it.
Bill
Your 97 will not have it. Was used short term after the IDI. I have only seen it in 94.5. Books show up till 95/96, but think its BS. Another Ford mess. PSD has no reason for use of coolant sensor other than for the fake gauge. No point in it what so ever.
On another note (hyjack). With a scanner you cannot access coolant temp do to its not connected to pin 45 of the PCM (E-series). I allway's wondered if i tapped (gauge) the coolant ckt to the pin if it can be read on the scanner.
Does F-series have pin #45 on the PCM as a coolant sensor input? E-series has it.
Bill
Last edited by MADVAN; Nov 9, 2007 at 03:57 PM.