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S40 / V40 '96-'04 General Forum for the Volvo S40 and V40 (Classic) Series from 1995-2004. |
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Coolant temperature gauge unstableViews : 3257 Replies : 10Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Nov 30th, 2012, 11:18 | #1 |
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Coolant temperature gauge unstable
Hey!
I have been searching around the forum, and it seems similar to some other recent topics about it, but I am not sure if it is the same problem. It is cold here in Norway, -5 degrees celsius, and since a few days my coolant temperature gauge is "dancing around". It goes from very cold, to overheated, and back again. It is very unstable, but moving slowly. The coolant levels are okay, and it is quite unlikely the engine is overheating in this weather. Also I do not see an effect on mpg and have no difficulties starting. My car is a 2003 V40 1.9D. Could it be the coolant temperature sensor, and if so, where can I find it? Last edited by maurice78; Nov 30th, 2012 at 11:35. |
Nov 30th, 2012, 19:53 | #2 |
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Hi there!
It might be something like a thermostat stuck open, this means that the engine never really gets warm as its always being cooled down although does your heater work properly as in if you put it on hot is it very hot or just warm? It could indeed be an issue with either the gauge or the sender if the heater is working as it should although its been known that themostats get stuck open. |
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Dec 3rd, 2012, 13:32 | #3 |
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Sorry for replying so late, I had to drive a longer distance to see if my heater is functioning properly.
The heater is not really producing hot air, more warm, so you might be right. I don't know if it is related to the cold weather. I could imagine that because it is -10 degrees, it is not able to heat up the air so very much. How can I determine if the thermostat is stuck open, or should I go by a mechanic? Thank you very much for your help, I appreciate it! |
Dec 3rd, 2012, 14:24 | #4 |
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You take the stat out to check it, test it in a pan of boiling water, although once you have got the old one out you may as well replace it with a new one as ther don't cost a lot - Mike
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Dec 3rd, 2012, 14:24 | #5 |
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One way would be to try different thermostat or temp sender. I'm currently tryin to sell both of those parts from my spares box. Your welcome to a try before you buy deal but not sure what the postage to Norway would be.
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Dec 4th, 2012, 10:24 | #6 |
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Thank you all for your replies! I am going to take a closer look at the thermostat and temp sender, and when broken I wouldn't mind to buy them from you tt82.
One more thing that I noticed. When I hit the gas, and the fuel usage goes up, the coolant temperature gauge goes down: (short video while driving and hitting the gas, turn down the volume though) http://youtu.be/1_2J58y8oCY Does this confirm the diagnosis of a defect thermostat? |
Dec 4th, 2012, 11:02 | #7 |
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When the temprature guage drops is the a drop in temprature of the in coming air from the cabin heater. If so then I would say the thermostat is sticking. Might just be worth sticking a thermometer in the air vent and just see if the is a temp drop in sequence with the guage drop!
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Dec 4th, 2012, 11:39 | #8 | |
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Dec 4th, 2012, 15:26 | #9 |
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What car have you even got? You will find the early cars like mine have a different sender for the in car gauge as i now have 2 new senders ;/
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Dec 4th, 2012, 19:05 | #10 |
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thermostat is stuck in a open position.The faster yo drive the lower will be the coolant temperature.
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coolant, engine, gauge, temperature, unstable |
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