Cooling fans on and dash temperature reads 160?

Thanks for the video. wait until the engine cools down and then check the coolant level inside the radiator. If that is okay, I would do a CAN scan to see if any codes are stored or pending. You can get a CAN scanner (Controller Area Network) which will work on most cars from Amazon.

Here is a video to show you how:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

The temperature gauge and cooling fans are controlled by the PCM which if I had to guess is the problem. Here are the wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works. Also, I have included how to change the PCM out which you can get a pre-programmed unit by searching google or eBay. The PCM might just need an update from the dealer to help fix it. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

So, you think the problem is the PCM or a temperature sensor? PCM seems like a real leap - I had figured it would be something more simplistic. I will check the coolant level, but I don't have access to a CAN tool. I have a cheap OBD II reader but that I only ever use if there is a check engine light. Mostly if check engine comes on this vehicle it's a o2 sensor error.

I hear you, if the PCM thinks the engine is cold and it turns the fans on seems strange. We could try the coolant sensor to see if that fixes it, it could be a safety device.

Here is the sensor, also it could be the cluster as well, we might want to try a CAN scan to see if any other codes are stored. Here is the location of the sensor. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.

Did you mean to say that the PCM thinks the engine is warm and turns on the fans. If the engine is cold, I am not sure why the fans would come on. Is there any budget scanner you could recommend?

I just checked the coolant level, and it appears to be normal. As soon as I start the vehicle the fans come on. I tried looking at the scan tool I have but didn't see anything on there that would tell me anything about the sensors.

video

I have the Autel OBD2 Scanner.

Thanks for the video. Yep, that is not normal. The scanner you have will do engine codes only. You will need to upgrade the scanner to one of the more capable units or have a shop scan it for you. To me it sounds like an update for the PCM could fix it, but we will learn more once the CAN scan has been run.

Replaced the thermostat and temperature sensor..... Issue is resolved.

Fans run when expected and dash temp now reads the range from cold to 210.

I didn't do a CAN scan since I didn't have the scanner for doing so.

Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.