1996 Dodge Avenger temp guage reads hot just after start up

CGRUNAUEMT

MEMBER
1996 DODGE AVENGER

Engine Cooling problem
1996 Dodge Avenger 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 170 k miles

I have a 96 dodge avenger with the 2.5 v6 170k milage. After a whole host of issues and 3 throttle cables in a week( car temp gauge goes nuts and then the cable seizes) I had a remote car start installed around the 1st of the year, now as soon as I start the car it reads 3/4 on the temp. Could an electrical issue with the way it was installed possibly cause this? Also as the car actually heats up the dash lights flicker, the temp guage shoots up and down and then as stated the throttle cable seizes. Already checked the thermostat, changed the temp sensor. Was told by the tech who installed the started that there was a huge mess under the dash from a botched previous install, could this really be the root of the problem?

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,873 POSTS

Hi cgrunauemt; Randy here.

Did the three throttle cables break from pressing hard on the gas pedal or were they an attempt to stop the pedal from sticking? When the pedal sticks next time, pop the hood and see if you can move the throttle by hand. It was not unheard of many years ago to have a binding throttle blade shaft in a carburetor, (I have one right now with one of my '80 Volares), so I suspect it could happen with a throttle body too. I would more likely expect you to find the pedal assembly itself is sticking. It could be catching on the foam pad under the carpeting or a nest of loose wires under the dash.

A wad of tangled wires could cause the other symptoms you're describing. There are two temperature sensors also. One has a single wire for the dash gauge, and one has two wires for the engine computer.

I'd start by looking in the area above the gas pedal, and tidy up any hanging wires.

Caradiodoc