We have a 2001 taurus, it will not heat up to the half way point on the needle for about 20 minutes in the summer and sometimes 25-30 minutes in the winter. Has anyone had this problem, if so did you get it fixed and how? We have been told to have the radiator flushed and also have radiator and heater coils flushed, I did try 2 new thermostats.

The gage in the cluster is controled by an input from a variable resistor(ECT). As the heat goes up the resistance goes down, and visa versa in the cold. If this sensor is not working properly then engine temp will not be being conveyed accuratly. Not only will this make you curious about the gage, but it will also affect your fuel economy. If the PCM(powertrain control module) sees that the engine is cold it will richen the fuel mixture. I am surprised that the sensors were not tested for this concern. :sunglasse