temperature gauge hot

88,000 MILES • 3.1L • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
CARSON123
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My gauge reads hot or 250 after running for twenty minutes and sometimes less. Nothing is hot, hoses, overflow tank. Not boiling over. We changed water pump. Thermostat factory rated 195 degree. Coolant sensor. Still doing same thing temperature gauge goes to max and alarm dings. So we bought temperature scanner tool it reads upper radiator hose at 148 and lower hose at 135 and overflow tank about same degrees. Car does not and never has leaked any fluids. Oil has no water in it. Does not smoke at all. Any ideas please?
May 30, 2017 at 11:03 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
WRENCHTECH
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 20,760 POSTS
Those infrared temperature tools do not read through rubber hoses. You need to take a reading on the metal on and around the T-stat housing.
You also should use a scan tool to see exactly what temperature is being reported to the PCM because 230 would be normal. 250 would not. The cooling fans are programmed to come on around 226-228 degrees. You have to be very careful with air pockets on that engine. They are notorious for air pockets and blown head gaskets.
May 30, 2017 at 11:36 AM
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle