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

[fivespeedsteed]

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]

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.

 

[Brian@PAR]

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]

Sounds like missing or open tstat.pull it out and look .

 

[fivespeedsteed]

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]

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]

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]

A fail safe tstat is made to stick open .maybe u get lucky.seen that on tv show

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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.