temp gauge issue?
#1
temp gauge issue?
My car usually gets up to 210-220, once warmed up and stays there, I hear the fan kick on after driving for longer then 20mins and coming to idle and then it keeps turning on and I see no fluctation on gauge, I also feel like motor starts to stuggle and lose power, could I be overheating? And gauge not working?
#2
TECH Enthusiast
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You are gonna lose power at higher temperatures. The stock tune has your fans coming on at 215*, if I remember right. So the fans kick on at a certain temperature and then kick back off below another temperature.
The gauge isn't going to give you an exact reading of the temperature b/c it's located in the block and the ECT that the PCM uses is plugged into the water pump so they're going to read differently. It's probably working just fine. Just need a 160* thermostat and a tune to have the fans kick on at a lower temperature if you're worried about it. I would recommend it b/c running at cooler temperatures can extend engine life.
The gauge isn't going to give you an exact reading of the temperature b/c it's located in the block and the ECT that the PCM uses is plugged into the water pump so they're going to read differently. It's probably working just fine. Just need a 160* thermostat and a tune to have the fans kick on at a lower temperature if you're worried about it. I would recommend it b/c running at cooler temperatures can extend engine life.
#3
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On '99-02 cars, the gauge doesn't really move once you reach normal operating temp. It will show about ~210° any time that the actual coolant temp is about 190-230°F. It's normal to hear the fans cycle on and off without seeing any movement in the gauge on a '99+ model.
#4
Would I benefit from an aftermarket radiator with 160 Thermostat? Motor has 150k on it and reason I'm asking is cause I live in south Texas and its hot almost all year round, stays in 90s, 100s + summertime
#5
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Stock radiator is gonna do you just fine. If you have an LS1 car, put an LT1 radiator in it. 160* thermostat is gonna help some but not a lot. You're gonna have to get the PCM tuned so the fans turn on at a lower temperature to really see a difference while you're idling. When I drive around, my temp stays around 190, but if I sit there and idle, it jumps. Also, check that your air dam is intact.