Temperature gauge suddenly goes to cold?

Tiny
BOB37L
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 PONTIAC TORRENT
  • 3.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 225,000 MILES
This Model has a common problem with the factory coolant eating the gaskets at around 180,000 to 200,000 miles. I had a totally rebuilt engine installed at 205,000 miles and used a better coolant. I now have 225,000 miles. A few weeks ago, a new problem appeared. After driving about 8 or 10 miles the temperature gauge suddenly goes to "cold", and the check engine light comes on. A message comes on that says "Engine Hot, A/C off'. The radiator fans come on and if the heater is on, it starts to blow cooler air. The only way to reset everything is to disconnect the battery and reconnect it. It will then run about 8 to 10 miles, and it happens again. The engine is not overheating, it is about 195 degrees. I can let it idle for over an hour after resetting it and there is no problem.

Only fails after driving 8 to 10 miles. I have a new radiator, water pump, thermostat, and temperature sensor. Today I put in a new ECM and had it programmed. The problem is still there. I have seen several people on your site over the last several years with the same problem. Has anyone ever found the problem?
Thursday, October 17th, 2024 AT 2:49 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,356 POSTS
Yep, the cluster is shorting out causing a backfeed into the PCM which causes the problem you are having. I would remove the cluster and get a used one from eBay to help fix the problem. Here is how to remove the cluster. Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes.
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Thursday, October 17th, 2024 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
BOB37L
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Today I put in an Instrument cluster. Still have the same problem.
Any other suggestions? I reset everything and it failed the same way after driving about 8 miles.
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Friday, October 18th, 2024 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,356 POSTS
Sorry about that, cars never seem to fail the same way every time :/ Let's run try replacing the coolant sensor, maybe that is shorting out, also have you run the codes to see if any are present? This guide can help, and i have included the location of the coolant sensor.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Saturday, October 19th, 2024 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
BOB37L
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  • 4 POSTS
I have replaced the coolant sensor twice. No help. After the "engine hot" light comes on the scanner says to replace the thermostat. It has been replaced. The engine runs 195 degrees.
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Saturday, October 19th, 2024 AT 9:48 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,356 POSTS
You have replaced anything that could have anything to do with it expect the wiring. You could have a short to ground, here is a guide to help you can the coolant sensor wiring diagrams so you can test the wiring.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Saturday, October 19th, 2024 AT 9:57 AM
Tiny
BOB37L
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you, Ken.
I replaced the yellow wire that goes from the engine coolant sensor to the computer connector. All is good now.
I know several others have had this same problem, maybe this can help someone else.
Again, thank you.

Bob L. 11/31/2024
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Thursday, October 31st, 2024 AT 9:49 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 48,356 POSTS
This will help others, thanks for letting us know, we are here to help, please use 2CarPros anytime.
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Thursday, October 31st, 2024 AT 1:49 PM

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