BACKYARD MECHANIC: Gauge has driver’s temperature rising
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 18/06/2010 (5655 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
QUESTION: I have a 2003 Pontiac Montana Van with a 3.4-L engine and 115,000 km. Once in a while my temperature gauge will rise up to the three-quarter mark, usually in warmer weather and in city driving. If I switch on the air conditioning the temperature usually starts to drop. I have had it checked at two dealers and they say all sensors etc. are reading OK. I am worried that it will overheat, causing damage to the engine. Is there some way of finding out what is causing this problem and what can I do to fix it? I did have the intake manifold gasket replaced at 60,000 km and the manifold replaced under warranty. There are no leaks at the present time. Can you please advise what I need to do to fix this problem?
ANSWER: There is very few components used to operate the temperature gauge. The coolant sensor on the engine sends a varying voltage signal over wires to the engine computer. The engine computer then sends a data signal to the dash to operate the gauge. The engine computer also controls operation of the engine cooling fans, so the problem isn’t in the gauge. There have been a few similar problems that were fixed by replacing the engine computer, but that would be a last resort.
First, I would have the temperature sensor tested again. It may be erratic, but only intermittently. It may be cheaper to install a new sensor rather than have a technician diagnose an intermittent problem. If the sensor is good, then the engine may actually be operating too warm.
Because the problem happens during city driving, I would look at blocked airflow through the radiator. Turning on the air conditioning will signal the computer to operate the cooling fans, which help cool the engine. With the AC off, usually the cooling fans won’t be turned on until the engine temperature is about 105 C. I have often found a lot of dirt, leaves and tree fuzz trapped between the air conditioning condensor and the radiator. This blockage is not easy to see and you may have to remove some parts to see between the two components. Cleaning out any dirt may be all that is necessary.
Jim Kerr is an experienced mechanic, instructor and member of the Automobile Journalists’ Association of Canada.
kerr.jim@sasktel.net