Quich rise and fall of engine heat gage

[Dariusz]

I have a 2000 Chrysler neon 214 000 km
I was driving along and noticed my engine temp gage go from regular (half way) to just under 3/4 up and back to normal. I disregarded it and it didn’t happen again until I was driving up north about 200km highway drive and it happened again same thing.

The way back nothing happened the car drives fine.

could it of been an air bubble? The car was left sitting for about 2 weeks or a bit more where I haven’t driven it. The temperatures were also very cold about -10 -15

The thermostat was replaced last year. I do use the block heater every time for about an hour no more than 2 hours before I start it. and the timing belt and water pump was done about two years ago.

could it be the thermostat? air bubble something else?

also there is no coolant loss or leaks or no coolant smell

Topic

[ratdude747]

I’d test the coolant temp sensor and inspect the wiring… At least to me it sounds like an electrical issue.

[Dariusz]

That was what I was also thinking as the temp sensor unit is at the front of the engine just behind the radiator and gets a lot of beating from the elements. I moved the wires a bit and am waiting to see if it will happen again.

[george gonzalez]

If it took less than 10 minutes to move that far, it probably was not really happening, it could have been an air bubble or a flaky sensor. Or if your car has the old VW way of powering the gauges, the voltage regulator to the panel might be flaky.

[Dariusz]

The jump was very quick you could could to 3 max and it went back to normal. I have the sensor with the 2 wires running to it.

[Lorrin Barth]

It is probably not the thermostat but if it is, it is going to leave you by the side of the road one of these days. Faced with the same situation, I’d replace the thermostat.

[Author]

Replies