Engine Temp Issue

2006 LS V8 95k miles
This morning my wife told me that the check engine temp warning was displayed.
Mid day, while driving to downtown DC, the engine fan started humming and then the temp gauge started climbing to RED and the same warning came on. I could not just stop the car, so I made a few turns and hit a red light... turned off the engine, green light started the car and drove to the next light, engine off. I did this three times and then suddenly, temp gauge read normal and warning message was gone.

When I got home, checked the coolant level and it was low, added some fluid (too much) ran the engine for awhile and all was good. When the fan finally came on, it was very loud.

Any ideas? Replace thermostat? (will do this over the weekend).

Thanks

You need to find the source of the leak. It's unlikely the thermostat would be causing a leak. Joegr has pointed out that the degas bottle is a common source of leaks, you may want to check there.

-Rod

Easy, I thought. Is there a simple way to pull the wiper blades off or do I need a puller?

Any suggestions on an inexpensive replacement?

What was I thinking? EASY ENOUGH??? UGH!

Wiper blades off, used a pry bar. Pulled the cross member. But, I still cannot lift out the bottle. I cannot get to the bottom hose clamp.

Suggestions? Other than pull the engine, pull the fender and drag out the torches...

You need hose clamp pliers to get to that bottom clamp.

http://www.amazon.com/Astro-Pneumatic-9409A-Clamp-Pliers/dp/B003D3N7YW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325440705&sr=8-1

Alternately (and easier) disconnect the other end of the hose (up by the vacuum booster) and leave the hose attached to the degas bottle. The Motorcraft part comes with the hose already attached.

Be warned that your thermostat housing should also be suspect [for cracking].