Is my car running too cold?

NastE50

Founding Member

May 21, 2002

58

0

6

IL

Aug 14, 2005

#1

• Aug 14, 2005

• #1

I found this picture on the net and its about exactly where my temperature stays. I just drove 300 miles back from northern Wisconsin last night and it just stayed in this position. Does anyone know if this is normal? I bought this car a month ago and it has been like this the whole time. Its got 95,000 miles.

http://www.3.8mustang.com/articles/gauges_files/image031.jpg

 

Zero Signal

Active Member

Feb 24, 2003

2,633

2

46

Tucson, AZ

Aug 14, 2005

#2

• Aug 14, 2005

• #2

Thats where mine stays and for my guage, thats 190 degrees. Temps with my A/C on is another story.

 

RIO5.0

15 Year Member

Feb 16, 2001

6,892

8

128

N.H.

Aug 14, 2005

#3

• Aug 14, 2005

• #3

Tough to say...the factory either sense's or not ....sometimes the readings are wacky, either high or low...That would appear kinda low for a 300 miles trip though...Do all the gages tend to read low also?? volts/oil pressure?? if so you could have a ground issue...even a battery thats old will give wacky readings...I have had both issues...the sensor plug on the intake, next to #5 cyl could be unplugged and see if the connection is kinda junked up...cleaning that could help...or even replace the sensor...its cheap money..
Car seem to run ok??
Not much help but the factory gages are kinda simple...are not really accurate..in the way you see them reading...

 

WhiteDevil

New Member

Feb 4, 2003

2,717

0

0

San Diego

Aug 14, 2005

#4

• Aug 14, 2005

• #4

I wouldnt worry about it, the factory gauge is a POS anyway

 

8

88GT460

New Member

Sep 23, 2004

338

0

0

Arkansas

Aug 14, 2005

#5

• Aug 14, 2005

• #5

thats where mine stays unless i am racing

but i have 180° thermostat and aluminum radiator

 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?

15 Year Member

Nov 29, 1999

31,179

33

129

Aug 14, 2005

#6

• Aug 14, 2005

• #6

I am with others - get a real gauge. You could also note if the upper radiator hose is hard and full (wait, I dont mean it like that).

If someone removed gauge needles at some point, who knows again.

When you idle for a bit, does the gauge read hotter?

Good luck.

 

NastE50

Founding Member

May 21, 2002

58

0

6

IL

Aug 14, 2005

#7

• Aug 14, 2005

• #7

The car runs absolutely perfect. The gauge is probably just off. The other gauges all read fine. I figured it would probably just be the fact that the factory gauges suck ass. Thanks guys.