Overheating coolant

2010 VOLKSWAGEN ROUTAN
105,000 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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DUSTONP
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
The needle on the temperature gauge doesn't stay steady. It's been fluctuating between 240 and 260. When I come to a stop or the van is idling, the temperature gauge goes up to 280. I thought the thermostat was possibly stuck and needed to be replaced. I've replaced it and while I was replacing it, it didn't have a gasket and when I pulled off the housing, there wasn't a drop of fluid. The reservoir is full for the radiator as well. What else could be causing these issues?
May 24, 2019 at 4:09 PM
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SCGRANTURISMO
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 4,897 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hello,

This sounds like you could have an air pocket in your cooling system. If an air pocket gets in your cooling system it will not allow your coolant to circulate. To fix this you will need to drain your coolant and refill it from the highest point of the cooling system. This will guaruntee that there are no air pockets present in your cooling system. Get back to us with what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
May 24, 2019 at 4:21 PM
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