2003 Toyota Camry Temperature gauge drops when heater is tu

50,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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M_KAR
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Hi

My car is acting weird - the temperature gauge drops down gradually when I turn the heater on. This is a problem only in the mornings. My car is parked on the street overnight. At work, it's parked in a covered area and I never noticed this problem in the evening. The car never overheats and also blows good heat when it's warmed up! The thermostat was replaced last winter when I had a similar problem. I had a toyota technician look into it, but he said the thermostat and waterpump need to be replaced. He said my car's waterpump was leaking because of slight corrosion. I do see that the coolant level is 'slightly' below the High line. However, I'm not sure whether it's a sign of a faulty pump or something else. The tech told me that it would cost $800 to replace both! I'm confused now. I would greatly appreciate your advise.
Jan 2, 2009 at 11:31 AM
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BUDDYCRAIGG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 2,262 POSTS
the gradual drop in heat sounds like a thermostat problem.

and if you had a tech look at it and they say there is seepage at the weep hole on the pump.
then you are running a risk of being stranded on the side of the road by not fixing it.
Jan 2, 2009 at 11:50 AM
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