Temperature light on?

DEBBIEAN

MEMBER
2007 SATURN ION
90,000 MILES

Temperature needle is mid-range, and the coolant light goes on, could it be a sensor? The coolant light goes on often however, when I checked the coolant level all was well. Then after a week or so the red light went on but the gauge showed mid-range, never increasing.

When I stopped to check the coolant it was not bubbling, the hood on the engine was cool (cooler than I felt it should have been for driving 90 miles on the freeway), the coolant was flowing, the fan was working and the gauge was still at mid-range. I am guessing it is a sensor. Is that something an everyday person can replace or do I need to go to a shop? The book that came with the car does not show where the sensor might me. Thank you for your help. Debbie

9 Replies

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

So is the low coolant coming on or the temp light?Also if the coolant temp sensor was bad then you would see the temp gauge in the red when the temp light was on.There is only one temp sensor that sends the coolant temp to computer then the gauge.It screws into the head i would also have the computer scanned for codes if you have any codes please post the exact code numbers not code descriptions.

This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Please run down this guide and report back.

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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)

GARY55

MEMBER
1 POST
2007 SATURN ION
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
100,000 MILES

I have an intermittent problem with my wife's ION's temperature gauge and the air conditioning. Sometimes she will start her car and the temp gauge will not work, the needle will stay at the bottom of the gauge and the check engine comes on. When this happens the A/C will not blow cold. She says that sometimes if she hits a bump in the road the gauge will come back on, the engine light will go out and the A/C will then work normally. Where would I start to try and troubleshoot this problem?

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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)

SATURNTECH9

MECHANIC
30,869 POSTS

First of all thank you so much for your donation. Let's start with going to a auto parts like autozone and get your codes read this might give us a direction to start in.I think the problem will probably be a loose connection in the underhood fuse box though. Let me know what you find.

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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)

AARONJLOPEZ12

MEMBER
1 POST
2006 SATURN ION
2.2L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I have recently changed my thermostat and sensor because my temperature would stay on cold. I changed it one week ago and the temperature gauge was working, today the temperature gauge did not move and is not working again.

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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Since it was working after the repair, I suspect it is a wiring issue. Recheck the connector at the sensor to make sure it is fully on. If it is, remove it and inspect inside the connector for corrosion and clean if necessary. Also, I recommend using dielectric grease on these types of connections to prevent corrosion and to ensure a good contact.

If that doesn't fix the issue, inspect the wiring around the sensor to see if it is damaged. You may want to have a helper watch the gauge while you move the wiring to the sensor to see if it starts working. Just remember to stay clear of moving components if the engine is running.

Let me know what you find

Joe

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Monday, July 27th, 2020 AT 12:05 PM (Merged)