• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

help with temp issues. won't get over 130*

  • Thread starter Thread starter fivespeedsteed
  • Start date Start date Nov 22, 2008

fivespeedsteed

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 17, 2003
748
22
69
Richmond, VA
Nov 22, 2008
#1
  • Nov 22, 2008
  • #1
alright so my cars always run one tick on the gauge above 130. which still seems cold. now that its cold out it won't even get up to 130. my heat works a little so its getting some temp, but is there a way I can see if my thermostat is stuck open? my dads was in a truck he had once and it wouldn't get any temperature and heat blew cold. any ideas?
 

2000xp8

SN Certified Technician
Aug 8, 2003
8,049
1,637
194
NJ
Nov 22, 2008
#2
  • Nov 22, 2008
  • #2
First off, what gauge are you reading 130 on?
The stocker can be horribly innaccurate, mine used to go up 15% just by turning the headlights on.
Also sounds like it's time for a new thermostat.
 
B

Brian@PAR

New Member
Sep 15, 2008
86
0
0
Phoenix AZ
Nov 22, 2008
#3
  • Nov 22, 2008
  • #3
Cold engine. Pull the radiator cap and start it up. If coolant is circulating the T-stat is stuck open. Since you have no heat my bet is that is your issue. Yeah and changing the T-stat is a PITA due to it's location. I always change the bolts to allen head as it make it easier for the next time it comes out.
 

hotcobra03

Active Member
Nov 29, 1999
969
4
39
poteet,tx
Nov 22, 2008
#4
  • Nov 22, 2008
  • #4
Sounds like missing or open tstat.pull it out and look .
 

fivespeedsteed

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 17, 2003
748
22
69
Richmond, VA
Nov 22, 2008
#5
  • Nov 22, 2008
  • #5
i am reading on the stocker, but its pretty acurate i think for what it is. the heat is nothing to warm up in, its like lukewarm air... i forgot you can open the rad. cap and see if its flowing, good call. thanks man.
 

old_blue

15 Year Member
Nov 3, 2003
1,783
282
124
Nov 22, 2008
#6
  • Nov 22, 2008
  • #6
agreed with above. sounds like a stuck t-stat. I dont remember having too many issues with replacing mine. I know the bolt to pulley clearance sucked but still do-able.
 

betke76

20+ Year Stangneter
Oct 23, 2004
241
9
19
laurel, md.
Nov 23, 2008
#7
  • Nov 23, 2008
  • #7
yea t-stat is stuck open flowing coolant all the time, put a new thermostat and gasket, and it will go around 170-200 degrees and have hot heat to warm you up on these cold days
 

hotcobra03

Active Member
Nov 29, 1999
969
4
39
poteet,tx
Nov 23, 2008
#8
  • Nov 23, 2008
  • #8
A fail safe tstat is made to stick open .maybe u get lucky.seen that on tv show
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
Founding Member
Nov 22, 2001
3,501
28
119
Motor City
Nov 23, 2008
#9
  • Nov 23, 2008
  • #9
Change it. It's stuck open. My girlfreinds Grand Prix's T-stat is stuck open. Car has the Check Engine light on. I scanned it yesterday and the code is the T-stat. I'm changin it Tuesday along with the coolant.
 

dp88

New Member
Oct 30, 2008
40
0
0
Nov 23, 2008
#10
  • Nov 23, 2008
  • #10
Thank god someone else has this problem. mine stays one notch above 130 as well. It sucks getting all the way to work and the car still isnt warm enough to heat up, i can see my breath inside the car for 30 mins.
 

vristang

15 Year Member
Mar 31, 2005
4,933
101
124
Seattle
Nov 23, 2008
#11
  • Nov 23, 2008
  • #11
SVT32VDOHC said:
Change it. It's stuck open. My girlfreinds Grand Prix's T-stat is stuck open. Car has the Check Engine light on. I scanned it yesterday and the code is the T-stat. I'm changin it Tuesday along with the coolant.
Click to expand...
I'm curious.... Is there a sensor installed to check the function of the Tstat?
How does the ecu know the Tstat is the cause???



Were any of these cars converted from 2.3 engines?
 

ShortThrow50

Member
Oct 22, 2006
923
2
16
Pa
Nov 24, 2008
#12
  • Nov 24, 2008
  • #12
Id like to know what the outcome is. I ave the same issue with my toyota. The first thing i did was replace the thermostat and it made no difference so its not stuck open thats for sure
 

SVT32VDOHC

waiting for the next hack atta
Founding Member
Nov 22, 2001
3,501
28
119
Motor City
Nov 24, 2008
#13
  • Nov 24, 2008
  • #13
I'm not sure on the stangs, but the Snap-On scanner just told me it was the T-stat. It gave me the code P0128 I think it was and it said "Thermostat". I didn't get to install it today, because I had to pick up my Cobra, but I'm doing it tomorrow.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

8
Foxbody high rpms and surging rpms
  • 86foxseth
  • Jun 9, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
4
Views
240
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jun 13, 2026
Noobz347
M
Resolved 1988 Foxbody - Overheating Summer
  • MDrisc
  • Oct 26, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
16
Views
813
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 17, 2026
fasterthangas
F
B
Engine Strange Noise
  • burntokita
  • May 8, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
461
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 11, 2026
keel
Resolved Got Too Hot!!!
  • PonyGTrider
  • Apr 27, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
631
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 6, 2025
PonyGTrider
G
2016 GT, Cold Air/Tune Trouble (overheating) . Advice/Help Please!
  • GLStang
  • Sep 6, 2025
  • 2015 - 2023 (S550) Mustang -General/Talk
Replies
1
Views
397
2015 - 2023 (S550) Mustang -General/Talk Sep 6, 2025
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?