Operating temperature
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Operating temperature
I have recently noticed that when my truck first warms up, the temperature guage gets near 12 noon and then fluctuates between about 10:30 and 12 noon while I drive. My coolant levels appear to be good. It never goes above half way on the guage, but I was just wondering if I should be concerned. The truck seems to be driving just fine and I have noticed no loss of power or performance. Any comments would be appreciated.
2004 Ranger XLT 6 cycl 4.0 2wd.
Thanks.
2004 Ranger XLT 6 cycl 4.0 2wd.
Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Where do you live, what's the climate like?
Being cold isn't anything to worry about (better than being hot), but first things first you need some real temperature readings. You can use a infrared thermometer to check the temperature when the gauge is fluctuating to see if the truck is actually changing temp.
Sounds like it could just be a somewhat sticking thermostat that's opening and closing off and on.
By the way, welcome to FTE!
Being cold isn't anything to worry about (better than being hot), but first things first you need some real temperature readings. You can use a infrared thermometer to check the temperature when the gauge is fluctuating to see if the truck is actually changing temp.
Sounds like it could just be a somewhat sticking thermostat that's opening and closing off and on.
By the way, welcome to FTE!
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I live in Las Vegas and it does not seem to matter what the temp is (25 to 64 degrees), the temperature gauge reacts the same way.
I had a feeling the thermostat may be the issue.
I appreciate the help and thanks!
I had a feeling the thermostat may be the issue.
I appreciate the help and thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
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From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
Originally Posted by ranger pat
As you drive, more air comes through the radiator and it should be slightly cooler on the gauge.
I'm sticking with the thermostat.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
After letting the motor cool down completely, check the coolant level in the radiator (not just the overflow tank). The coolant level should be up to the top of the radiator; if it isn't, then fill it up. A full system is much less likely to develop air pockets.
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From: SW Va
I agree, it sounds like the thermostat is beginning to act out & want to stick closed some.
I recently had a similiar situation on my 99 4.0L, except mine was sticking open & it wanted to run cooler than normal. I had been watching it fluctuate some, for about a year, before it finally decided to really act out.
You could also use a scantool, that'll read PID's & monitor what the computers engine temp sensor is telling it, about engine coolant temp, as you drive.
The computer has a separate temp sensor, form the one that's operating the temp gauge. So if you find the computer's sensor is also seeing a fluctuating temp, suspect the thermostat.
If the computers temp sensor shows the coolant temp to be stable, then maybe suspect the temp gauge temp sending unit.
Just some more thoughts for pondering.
Let us know what you find.
I recently had a similiar situation on my 99 4.0L, except mine was sticking open & it wanted to run cooler than normal. I had been watching it fluctuate some, for about a year, before it finally decided to really act out.
You could also use a scantool, that'll read PID's & monitor what the computers engine temp sensor is telling it, about engine coolant temp, as you drive.
The computer has a separate temp sensor, form the one that's operating the temp gauge. So if you find the computer's sensor is also seeing a fluctuating temp, suspect the thermostat.
If the computers temp sensor shows the coolant temp to be stable, then maybe suspect the temp gauge temp sending unit.
Just some more thoughts for pondering.
Let us know what you find.
Last edited by pawpaw; Feb 11, 2008 at 02:29 PM.
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I appreciate all the help folks. Fluid levels are good. I'm looking into a new thermostat. Even if the current one continues to work somewhat properly and never fully fails, I'll have another one, just in case.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Denver
My experience is that thermostats start to get sticky before they fail, and the result is symptoms like hecubus23 is describing. What typically happens is that they don't want to close all the way, and then warm-up times are extended, which is not good. I'd get a new thermostat and change it someday when its convenient, before it overheats on the way to a wedding...
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