Temp gauge and heater problem. need help

95MustangV6 · Mar 3, 2011

Ok so since about a week ago ive been having this temporary problem with my temp gauge.
It seems like it only happens when its below freezing.
When i am driving the car after about 5 mins after a cold start the temp gauge climbs and goes all the way to the H but my engine isnt even hot.
If i drop in into high gear and punch it while its up on the H it will drop back to normal.
Then it will do it again in about 5 mins and i repeat the high rpms and it goes back.
Then after that it seems to be ok and doest do it again that day but when i let it sit and cool down the next day it will do it and i dont know exactly what the problem is.
Also during the time the temp gauge is on H my heater blows cold air and not hot. but when it goes back to normal it blows hot again.

Im thinking its either the temp sensor or the thermostat. but i could be totally wrong
Im hoping its on of those cause both parts are only like 15 bucks a piece and it would be nice to fix something on my car thats not gonna cost me 100 or more.

Any help from you guys would be greatly apreciated.
Thanks.

MustangChris · Mar 4, 2011

id do a quick start with trying to burp the system.... 15 minute process, just to rule it out.

95MustangV6 · Mar 4, 2011

lol and i am sorry but i have no idea what you just said.
I can read but i dont know how to do that.
Can ya explain that for me? Lol
Thanks

MustangChris · Mar 4, 2011

to burp the system means to get the air out of it.

i dono how to do it on the V6 stang, but you lift the front of the car up, start it up (to get coolant running) and after 5 minutes or so, turn it off. then open the highest point in the coolant system you can. radiator, temp sensor, or something along those lines.

newer mustangs have a "burp valve" which is simply a cap that you turn to release the air from the system.

im thinking you have an air bubble thats floating around, which is very dangerous, as air holds heat. if that bubble sits on a cyliner you are risking some shiz.

here is a coolant pipe off a newer mustang, see the knob on the left side? thats the burp valve.

<img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQasEfXeQz2ScbOv5XXUfpxoj2viNYnVJqZfJcjrDhxqKYOrOvL&t=1">

HuskerGT · Mar 4, 2011

I was having a similar problem with my Jeep. A buddy suggested I check my coolant level. Sure enough, it was pretty low. I filled the radiator back up (when warm & running) & filled the overflow tank to the normal level and the heater & temp gage work perfectly.