overheating?

**red99ws6** · 10-21-2008, 11:14 AM

My temperature in my car is a constant 195. Never goes over that even in traffic. Today I look down and it was like the gauge just fell over and went all the way to the right. The check gauges light came on. I shut it off and when i fired it back up it went to the normal temp and stayed there all day. I pulled in the driveway and it done the same thing and then back to normal. I really dont think the car could heat up as fast as the gauge is moving. I dont smell antifreeze and the coolant level is full. The water pump isnt making any noise and everything is dry. Is my thermostat sticking or is it the gauge. Thanks in advance

**SVG210** · 10-21-2008, 11:26 AM

well you can feel when you engine is overheating. try checking the temp sensor it might start to take a dump on you soon.

**red99ws6** · 10-21-2008, 11:37 AM

how do u check the temp sensor

**bigrondownhiller** · 10-21-2008, 11:38 AM

Could be radiator cap, sticking thermostat, air in system. Has any maintenence been done to it?

**2001NBMZ28** · 10-21-2008, 12:19 PM

How long did you have the car off? If you just cycled the key the car probably isn't overheating it it went back to normal. Check the connection/wiring of the ECT sensor.

**red99ws6** · 10-21-2008, 01:02 PM

it was just turned off then right back on. thats why i didnt think it was really overheating. plus it goes from 195 to 260 in about 2 seconds

**red99ws6** · 10-21-2008, 01:02 PM

where is the ect sensor

**2001NBMZ28** · 10-21-2008, 01:24 PM

It's the brass sensor in the drivers side head, right by cyl #1.

**red99ws6** · 10-21-2008, 02:39 PM

i inplugged the connector and the wires look fine. i let it run for about 20 mins and the temp is fine. then all of a sudden it went back up really fast and then in about 5 seconds it dropped back to normal. is there any way to check the ECT to see if it is bad. Or is it an inexpensive fix. I might just try a new one if it is a cheap place to start.

**2001NBMZ28** · 10-21-2008, 03:53 PM

If you want to replace it to eliminate the sensor as the problem they're easy to replace and about $25? even at the dealership. Usually they'll throw a code if they go bad.

**2001NBMZ28** · 10-21-2008, 04:02 PM

Here's the diagnostics for P0118, one of the ECT codes: www.gearchatter.com/viewtopic8909.php

**red99ws6** · 10-22-2008, 01:47 PM

it isnt throwing any codes. i figured i would take the thermostat out and run it a little like that. i am assuming that if it still does it with no thermostat it would rule out the thermostat and point to the ECT. I pulled out the thermostat and it looks like it is all one piece with the housing. Now, i dont want to replace anything if it isnt bad. I guess i cant just run it without a thermostat. what would you guys start with.