My 99 dodge avenger is having an issue with the temperature gauge.

1999 DODGE AVENGER
150,000 MILES
Avatar
CONRADCOREY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
My 99 dodge avenger is having an issue with the temperature gauge. While driving it will slowly climb toward hot then if decelerate it will level out again. It doesn't do this all the time some times if I keep the car at an even speed that will keep the temperature down.It just started doing this after my father in law pulled off the hose that is attached to the opening where the radiator cap is to clean it off, cause it was all gunked up. I have read other forums asking the same question, many say to replace the thermostat, I just want to know from some actual experts before I go replacing parts.
Apr 25, 2012 at 2:55 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
FIXITMR
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,990 POSTS
usually a varying temp reading is caused by air in the cooling system.
Apr 25, 2012 at 4:25 PM
Avatar
CONRADCOREY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
What would you recommend to fix that?
Apr 25, 2012 at 4:28 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
FIXITMR
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,990 POSTS
was that a big hose or small hose he removed?
Apr 25, 2012 at 5:07 PM
Avatar
CONRADCOREY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The big short one.
Apr 25, 2012 at 6:02 PM
Avatar
CONRADCOREY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Here is a picture so you know which one.
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Apr 25, 2012 at 6:06 PM
Avatar
FIXITMR
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 9,990 POSTS
have you opened radiator cap(engine end of hose)when cool to see if it's full to top?
Apr 25, 2012 at 9:45 PM
Avatar
CONRADCOREY
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I opened the radiator cap when it was cool, and actually that has helped a lot to get air out. Do I need to be able to see coolant when the cap is off? I always just add coolant to the reservoir.
Apr 26, 2012 at 2:54 PM