temp issues
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 5
From: Louisville, KY
temp issues I've been doing some searching on the forum for the "normal operating temp" and most people say around 190 on avg, but mine never goes above 185 even if i've been driving on the highway for 30 mins and get off and sit at a light for 5 mins. The fans will kick on randomly even if the temp gauge is showing my temp at around 180. I have a 98 and it's showing the normal temp after warmed up is around 178. I think it might be my coolant temp sensor since my car has also been acting up in the mornings with only freezing temps. It will start fine but then bog and die. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
TECH Regular
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
yes the 98 has a better temp gauge if its at 170 then thats not really a problem a cooler running engine runs better thats why everyone puts the 160 thermostat in, my dash gauge reads 210 and my gauge pod gauge reads about 185 lol
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 5
From: Louisville, KY
Should the fans come on when i first start it, even when the outside temps is below freezing? Could the coolant temp sensor be sending a signal to the computer that the engine is hot when it acutally isnt? I was talking to someone who said the probelm with my car idling rough and stalling when it's below freezing would be a choke, but he said that fuel injected engines don't use a choke, so someone told me that the coolant temp sensor could be faulty.
TECH Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,399
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville, FL
You didn't mention a SES light or code so assume you don't have either. The '98's have a 3 wire ECT sensor vs. 2 wire on the '99 and up - probably why your gauge actually works. Rarely gets below freezing here but have seen my low speed fans come on with a cold start and cool temps on occasion, but not every start. Would be interesting to see what your actual ECT is on a scanner if you have access to one. I'm not one to just replace things but the ECT is easy to replace and relatively cheap if you want to try a new one. You can also visually check the connector/pins/wiring.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 5
From: Louisville, KY
You didn't mention a SES light or code so assume you don't have either. The '98's have a 3 wire ECT sensor vs. 2 wire on the '99 and up - probably why your gauge actually works. Rarely gets below freezing here but have seen my low speed fans come on with a cold start and cool temps on occasion, but not every start. Would be interesting to see what your actual ECT is on a scanner if you have access to one. I'm not one to just replace things but the ECT is easy to replace and relatively cheap if you want to try a new one. You can also visually check the connector/pins/wiring.
But my fans come on even in freezing temps every time......just thought that was unusual.
again thanks for everyone who is trying to help.
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TECH Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,399
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville, FL
"voltage to the MAF was low..." or MAF sensor circuit low frequency? That can cause starting/stalling issues but usually throws P0102 - just for the heck of it check your ENG SEN fuse. As for the fans coming on do you have a fan switch wired to the car? Just a couple ideas...
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Verdad Gallardo Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 5
From: Louisville, KY
"voltage to the MAF was low..." or MAF sensor circuit low frequency? That can cause starting/stalling issues but usually throws P0102 - just for the heck of it check your ENG SEN fuse. As for the fans coming on do you have a fan switch wired to the car? Just a couple ideas...
Where is the ENG SEN fuse located? The holder in the engine bay?
Just to rule it out, does your check engine light work? When you turn the key to on, does it come on for a few seconds? If it doesn't work you could have a code or three and not know it, and that could cause the fans to run continuously. Just a thought.
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 5
From: Louisville, KY
yea my service engine soon light works, had three codes before for 02s and a vent solenoid. Got those fixed. But i think my MAF is bad though, i unplugged it and then started it in 26 degree temps and my car was fine. So i'm looking for just an OEM MAF.
