1999 Ford Explorer Temp Gauge Fluctuates

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ROBETTE30
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  • 4 POSTS
I have a 1999 ford explorer. It has 67,000 and a 2wheel drive with a 4.0l v6 eddie bauer edition. Soon after I start to drive it the temperature gauge starts to go to hot and the check gauge light comes on and then the temperature goes down and then back up, like a roller coaster. car does not appear to get hot and smoke, but the AC is cold at first and then warm, it's like a roller coaster too when gauge goes up and down.
Other question is I have changed my gas cap 3 times in the past months because of smelling gas fumes at times and was told by one person that that is what it is. I don't think so because of purchasing different new ones has not fixed it. Do you have any suggestions to either question? Thanks so much for your time.
Jun 3, 2007 at 2:50 AM
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98RANGERXLT
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  • 301 POSTS
Yor temp gauge is your stat not working right.
Jun 3, 2007 at 2:55 AM
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RUDPRO
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  • 224 POSTS
Is your coolant low? You may have a leak. Is your overflow jug empty? Make sure your engine is cold, this is very important, after sitting overnight and remove the radiator cap and check the level of the radiator. If coolant is OK, then it probably is your thermostat like Fordman said.
The fuel smell, make sure you don't have any leaks from tank to the engine. It may also be your evaporative emissions system. There is a charcoal cannister in your engine compartment. There are lines from your gas tank attached. The cannister traps vapors and sends it back to the engine to be burned. Check the cannister for cracks or damage and check the lines going to it also.
Jun 3, 2007 at 7:52 AM
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MERLIN2021
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  • 17,250 POSTS
Get the codes for the check engine light and post em here. This will help in figuring out the next step. Autozone will read the codes for free.
Jun 3, 2007 at 8:18 AM

Suggested Repair

With the engine cold, check the radiator and overflow coolant level and look for leaks. If the coolant is full, suspect a faulty thermostat. For the fuel smell, inspect the tank-to-engine lines and the charcoal canister and its EVAP lines for cracks or damage, and retrieve any check-engine codes.

Conversation Summary

A 1999 Ford Explorer's temperature gauge and check-gauge light rise soon after driving, then fall and rise again, while the A/C also goes from cold to warm. The vehicle does not appear to overheat or smoke. Experts suggest checking the coolant level and leaks, then the thermostat if the coolant is OK. A recurring fuel smell after three gas-cap replacements may be a leak or an evaporative-emissions/charcoal-canister problem; retrieving diagnostic codes was also recommended.

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