Running slightly hot

Hi Will,

You want to check for a couple things. First, check to see if the coolant bottle is full. If not, top it off and then keep an eye on it each time you fill up with gas. If it is dropping, you want to look for external leaks or white smoke from the exhaust. Here are some guides that will help explain what could be happening in more details.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-leak-symptoms

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/excessive-smoke-coming-from-the-exhaust-pipe

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/white-smoke-or-steam-coming-from-the-exhaust-pipe

Assuming you are not losing coolant so there are no leaks or it is not burning the coolant, then we want to take note as to when this is creeping up. Is it when the AC is on, or when sitting in traffic? These are indicators that this could just be normal for this vehicle at this point in its life. I am sure you could go through the cooling system and it may fix it but it may just be the way the engine is running these days.

With that being said, I don't want to chase an issue that is not there. If it is not overheating and the temp comes back down to the middle of the normal range on its own, then I would just keep an eye on it.

The one thing I will recommend is having the cooling system and other fluids changed if they look old or you are not sure when they were changed. Unfortunately, we can't rely on people to maintain their vehicle properly so it is best to have those fluids changed. Just putting fresh coolant in it may solve this concern.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

That's how hot it gets it doesn't really go any further than that. The fans on the coolant is full no leaks. No smoking from the motor no radiator fluid in oil no oil leaks. The A/C is not on it doesn't work so that's never on.

Oh and the coolant doesn't look that bad either.

I'm taking it to a shop Tuesday morning to have the thermostat replaced and fluid changed. I'll keep you updated.

Okay. Great. As you stated, that is still within the normal range. You are not going to hurt anything in changing what you stated. It may help it but as I stated earlier, I wouldn't spend a lot of time or money in trying to get that to remain lower because it is still in the normal range. You engine may just run a little hotter than mid way. Especially, if when driving it begins to come back down on its own while driving.

Let me know if you need anything else. Thanks

I changed my thermostat, well had a shop do it. Seems to have fixed the issue where it's not running hot anymore, but now my coolant level light is on.

Okay. That is progress. I assume the coolant is at the correct level? If so, does the temperature gauge stay at the proper level. Again, I assume it has. If it did, then I suspect this is just a level sensor issue.

If so, let me know and I can send you the info about this sensor. I would send it now but it appears the Alldata is down. I will continue to check back and send ASAP if the above questions are as I suspect. Thanks

Sorry for the delay. Here is the information on this sensor and how to replace it. If the coolant is not low and you are still getting the low coolant light, most likely this is your issue.

Keep me updated on what you find. Thanks