Temperature gauge fluctuating/not working properly

JTHAT4218

MEMBER
2007 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
3.3L
2WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

When I start the car the temperature gauge is fine, once I start driving the gauge will start going up regardless of the speed i'm going and then show i'm overheating and then slowly come back down. It will continue to go up and down while driving. I have stopped and checked to see if the engine is overheating and it is not. The fans are coming on. I have no clue why it is doing this.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

If you are certain it isn't overheating, there is a good chance it is related to a bad coolant temperature sensor. Take a look through these links and see if you feel the symptoms seem to mirror what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-coolant-temperature-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-coolant-temperature-sensor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

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If you feel the sensor is the issue, here are the directions specific to your vehicle for replacement. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2007 Chrysler Truck Town & Country V6-3.3L VIN R
Removal
Vehicle Sensors and Switches Sensors and Switches - Cooling System Engine - Coolant Temperature Sensor/Switch Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Removal
REMOVAL
3.3/3.8L

pic 1

Figure 1 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

pic 2

WARNING: Hot, pressurized coolant can cause injury by scalding. Cooling system must be partially drained before removing the coolant temperature sensor.

1. Drain cooling system below engine coolant temperature sensor level.
2. Remove power steering reservoir and position aside.
3. Remove ignition coil and bracket.
4. Disconnect coolant sensor electrical connector (Figure 1).
5. Remove coolant sensor (Figure 1).

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2007 Chrysler Truck Town & Country V6-3.3L VIN R
Installation
Vehicle Sensors and Switches Sensors and Switches - Cooling System Engine - Coolant Temperature Sensor/Switch Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Installation
INSTALLATION
3.3/3.8L

pic 3

Figure 1 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

pic 4

1. Install engine coolant temperature sensor (Figure 2). Tighten sensor to 7 Nm (60 in. lbs.).
2. Connect electrical connector to sensor (Figure 2).
3. Install ignition coil bracket and coil.
4. Install power steering reservoir.
5. Fill cooling system.

pic 5

Figure 2 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

pic 6
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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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