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flarson · Jan 6, 2009, 06:54 AM

Hello,
My temperature gauge on my 2001 Chevy venture van does not seem to be working properly. My husband was driving to work this morning and just before he got there the gauge went to cold and stayed there the rest of the ride. It's not cold here this morning, about 50 degrees. Any ideas as to why this is?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

450donn · Jan 6, 2009, 07:42 AM

First suggestion is that the thermostat is stuck in the wide open position. Second suggestion is that you have a bad ground somewhere in the electrical system. Has this van been in a flood? From your other questions it sounds like it is having major problems like it was flooded or something.

flarson · Jan 6, 2009, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by 450donn

First suggestion is that the thermostat is stuck in the wide open position. Second suggestion is that you have a bad ground somewhere in the electrical system. Has this van been in a flood? From your other questions it sounds like it is having major problems like it was flooded or something.

Not that we know of. Although it is raining quite a bit lately LOL. We just recently had the engine rebuilt (well about 6 months ago I guess). It does have some electrical problems that we have to get fixed. (there seems to be a short in one of the tail lights... sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, especially when it is cold.)

TxGreaseMonkey · Jan 6, 2009, 08:39 AM

Clean/replace the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sending Unit.

For tail light issue, remove bulb, clean socket, and spray with WD-40. Disconnect negative battery terminal first, after recording any radio codes.

this8384 · Jan 6, 2009, 08:40 AM

Have you checked the coolant level? Intake gaskets tend to leak on these vans, which would cause air to get stuck in the cooling system.

flarson · Jan 6, 2009, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by txgreasemonkey

Clean/replace the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sending Unit.

For tail light issue, remove bulb, clean socket, and spray with WD-40. Disconnect negative battery terminal first, after recording any radio codes.

How do I find the ECT sending unit?

I will have my husband work on the bulb. Thanks

flarson · Jan 6, 2009, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by this8384

Have you checked the coolant level? Intake gaskets tend to leak on these vans, which would cause air to get stuck in the cooling system.

It is pouring down rain out there right now, so I'm assuming he has not checked it yet. I'll make sure he does before he comes home, though. How would I know if there is air stuck in the cooling system?

this8384 · Jan 6, 2009, 08:53 AM

Check the overflow tank to see if it's low on Dexcool. If it is, add some up to the fill line and see if the problem remedies itself. Check the level every few days to make sure you don't lose too much and overheat the van.

robertstorey · Dec 30, 2010, 10:14 AM

As for as the tail light problem when its cold, replace the pig tail that connects the tail light as well as the entire tail light (make sure you check to see if the connections are not burned). This will resolve the problem of your lights acting crazy when you put on your brakes, etc. I have not resolved my temp gauge problem yet, my heater blows out fairly hot air but the temp gauge only goes to a quarter.

this8384 · Dec 30, 2010, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by robertstorey

As for as the tail light problem when its cold, replace the pig tail that connects the tail light as well as the entire tail light (make sure you check to see if the connections are not burned). This will resolve the problem of your lights acting crazy when you put on your brakes, etc. I have not resolved my temp guage problem yet, my heater blows out fairly hot air but the temp guage only goes to a quater.

Did you replace your thermostat?

tyrun · Feb 11, 2012, 08:35 AM

Jai le meme probleme que vous,mais il y a eu tempete de neige a quebec et les fort vents on fais que la neige es entrer a linterieur et le moteur etait plein de neige jai commencer a avoir des probleme de jauge de temperature du moteur qui est toujour dans le fond jai beau faire secher mais sa ne reviens pas, avez vous un autre solution