1996 Temp Gage doesnt move that much

yes I have a temp gage that moves above the C just a little bit, and sometimes when driving down highway, it will go below the C. I know the van is good and warm. Heat comes out of the car, not like as hot as my 01 ford f250 but heat comes out. Is there a sensor or sensors that could be out for my temp gauage? If so were would they be, Or could I have a thermostat that is not working that great?


Also could this temp guage things be causing my Miles per gallon to be so low for this van?

Thank you

Nicholas

check the condition of the antifreeze your radiator might be plugged the side that is plugged stays hot on the heater side but on the other side where the temp sensor is isnt circulating

so would you reccomend a flushing the system, as well as replacing thermostat? If the antifreeze is a good green color reccomend anthing else?

Thank you for your response

Nicholas

i would turn the car on with the radiator cap off and allow the car to warm up and look to see if the water moves or flows if it always flows even when you start it up cold then you dont have a thermostat in and need to put one in or it doesnt flow at all even when the fans come on then you gave a coolant blockage maybe calcium buildup but when you look in the radiator at the coolant if it shows any sign of calcium looks like white powder but in chunks i would definately replace the coolant but before replacing i would buy some flush follow the directions and drain then fill with coolant that is of
50\50 mix also if you can get to the thermostat easy then i would pull it out just to check the condition of it. well try that then let me know how it goes then we will know our next step cause it can be many things like i explained so good luck

I am planning on trying to replace the thermostat tomorrow, I tried to tonight but found the thermostat is in the bottom hose not the top, so it will take a little time to replace it and I didn’t have the time. but I noticed after that I had the van idling and needle showed were I think the needle should be when the van is warmed up about half way between the C and the halfway mark. but after I started driving it, the needle went back down below the C.

Thanks again, I will keep you up dated

I am planning on trying to replace the thermostat tomorrow, I tried to tonight but found the thermostat is in the bottom hose not the top, so it will take a little time to replace it and I didn’t have the time. but I noticed after that I had the van idling and needle showed were I think the needle should be when the van is warmed up about half way between the C and the halfway mark. but after I started driving it, the needle went back down below the C.

Thanks again, I will keep you up dated

:lol: common mistake

I was able to replace the thermostat. it fixed the problem, them gauage is now moving like it should. Thank you so much for the advice.

-Nicholas

hey happy to help man good luck with the baby