Temperature gauge goes up and down

Tiny
WELSHCOB
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 239,000 MILES
When I start my car in the morning my car is hot after about 40 seconds and when I am driving to work my temperature gauge is going up and down like the rev clock. Plus my car jumps and bucks like it's out of petrol.
Friday, February 21st, 2020 AT 12:14 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

The temperature gauge sounds like a bad sensor. Make sure the coolant is full first. If it is, here is what I suggest.

First, I suspect the check engine light is staying on when the engine is running as a result of how it's running. You need to have the computer scanned to identify diagnostic trouble codes. Here is a quick video showing how it is done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner. However, often times a parts store will scan it for free. If the light is on, have this done and let me know what codes are found.

Next, please confirm the engine size you indicated for me. I am only showing a 1.8L engine.

If it is the 1.8L, I attached a pic showing the coolant temp sensor location. Make sure the wiring hasn't been damaged and it is tightly connected.

Do this and let me know what is found.

Joe
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Friday, February 21st, 2020 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
WELSHCOB
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi there. Thanks for getting back to me. I have a code reader and it said I had a bad coolant temperature sensor. It's when I changed that, that's when the problem with the gauge started. It's a 1.4 petrol.
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Friday, February 21st, 2020 AT 11:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Okay. I suspect that either you got a bad sensor or there is a loose connection. Have you checked the connector? If you have and everything is in good condition, I would return the part and get a different one to see if that takes care of the issue.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, February 22nd, 2020 AT 5:17 PM

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