1998 Ford Explorer Overheating

H20SKIER70

MEMBER
1 POST

i have a 1998 ford explorer sport with the 4.0 SOHC V6 engine and i have noticed the the coolant temerature gauge has been getting to the high side everytime i start to drive and the check gauge light comes on. what could be causing my coolant to get so hot?

Nov 27, 2006 at 7:59 AM

CATCH_15

✓Experienced Mechanic
250 POSTS

First and foremost, check your coolant level. Next, when the temperature gets to about 3/4 of the way to maximum, does the coolant fan come on? If it does, it could be that the thermostat is bad and needs replaced.

Nov 27, 2006 at 8:02 AM

BRUCE HUNT

✓Experienced Mechanic
3,754 POSTS

One is the coolant could be low, another is that the thermostat is failing. Sometimes the thermostat will stick and not open in a timely fashion. Ensure that the vehicle is not losing coolant. If it is, you need to hunt down the source of the loss. A faulty radiator cap can also play havoc with the temp and a system that is corroded will have problems allowing the coolant to flow through the radiator and thus not cool as efficiently as it should.

Nov 27, 2006 at 8:03 AM

Suggested Repair

Check the coolant level and look for leaks. Confirm the cooling fan comes on as the gauge rises. Inspect or replace a sticking thermostat, check the radiator cap, and address corrosion that may restrict coolant flow through the radiator.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Ford Explorer Sport with a 4.0 SOHC V6 reports the coolant temperature gauge rising high while driving and the check gauge light coming on. Experts advise checking the coolant level and cooling fan operation, and considering a failing or sticking thermostat, coolant loss, a faulty radiator cap, or corrosion restricting radiator flow.

Add a reply

Ask a new question

1998 Ford Explorer Overheating

Suggested Repair

Conversation Summary

Related Repair Questions

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle