Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    jac58's Avatar
    jac58 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Aug 19, 2009, 09:12 AM
    Erratic temp gauge in car
    I have a 2000 Chevy Impala. My temp gauge goes down when I'm on the highway and goes up when in city traffic. What is normal temp? ANd what can be wrong. Please help me!!
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Aug 19, 2009, 09:20 AM

    You likely need to replace the radiator or have it rodded. Phosphate scale is likely plugging some of the cooling passage ways in the radiator. Once you get the problem solved, only use a 50/50 mixture of the recommended antifreeze (likely DexCool) and distilled water.

    This link should help:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post235973

    Ensure the radiator fan works properly. If not read this link:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1642158

    Don't postpone getting the problem fixed. Engine overheating often results in warped aluminum heads, blown head gaskets, and damaged valves ($2,800).
    jac58's Avatar
    jac58 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Aug 19, 2009, 09:35 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by TxGreaseMonkey View Post
    You likely need to replace the radiator or have it rodded. Phosphate scale is likely plugging some of the cooling passage ways in the radiator. Once you get the problem solved, only use a 50/50 mixture of the recommended antifreeze (likely DexCool) and distilled water.

    This link should help:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post235973

    Ensure the radiator fan works properly. If not read this link:

    https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...ml#post1642158
    Does it cost a lot to have it rodded? Should I take it to a radiator shop? Thanks for all your help!
    TxGreaseMonkey's Avatar
    TxGreaseMonkey Posts: 16,761, Reputation: 5597
    Uber Member
    		  
    #4

    Aug 19, 2009, 09:45 AM

    I don't know what they would charge to rod a radiator. New radiators are not usually that expensive. It may be that it wouldn't be much more expensive to install a new one. Call around and get prices. Just don't wait.. . We have way too many overheating disasters on this site.
    Jermannski's Avatar
    Jermannski Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    Aug 19, 2009, 11:38 AM

    I would also add that there may be air in your cooling system. I had a 1985 Plymouth 4 cylinder and the temp gauge would go up really high for a minute, then drop to normal after running engine fast, or just driving. I did not know, but I was delivering the engine a slow death, and eventually had a blow head gasket.
    Jermannski's Avatar
    Jermannski Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    Aug 19, 2009, 11:41 AM

    I should clarify that my Plymouth's cooling system was never properly purged of air when the coolant was last flushed, and that is what caused the fluctuation of temp gauge and eventual engine troubles.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

No heat/erratic temp gauge [ 10 Answers ]

I own a '97 Chevy Monte Carlo. I'll try to make this as brief as I can. About two weeks ago I noticed that my warning light for high temp was lit. I was shocked because I had only been in the car 10 minutes. But then it started to go down. Then it was kind of floating up and down. Also, I...

98CIVIC temp gauge reads HOT! [ 1 Answers ]

98 civic recently replaced hoses + thermostat + radiator. The gauge reads hot(about 3/4) when I drive local streets(35-45mph) for about 20 min. When I drive on the free way it goes to about 3/4 very quickly Few days ago I drove on the freeway for a few miles and then when I got off and...

Faulty temp gauge [ 1 Answers ]

Hi, I have an 89 chevy celebrity with 2.8L engine. I'm suspicious that the temp gauge is not accurate. These are my observations: The temp gauge has a scale of 100-260. Mid point is 220. I've owned a celebrity in the past and it seemed to run around 220. The car will go into the "red"...

433Mhz raingauge & Temp Gauge [ 1 Answers ]

I have an Origon Scientific RGR122 433 MHz wireless rain gauge range 100 metres I have ordered a La Crosse WS 9151 weather station also wireless also 433MHz, range 25 metres Will they interfere with each other?

Temp gauge flutters intermittently [ 4 Answers ]

Hi guys I have an 86 chevy c10 with a carbed 5.0 liter my problem is that intermittently the gauge just goes nuts all the way around to way past 260 back to nothing and everywhere in between then without warning it just goes back to normal. I know the problem is either in the gauge or the sending...

View more questions Search