Aright folks, here's my dilemma. When my car heats up, the needles on the temp. gauge on the instrument cluster starts to move up to about half way, normal operating temperature. When I start to drive, the needle starts to drop down, not back all the way to "C", but it does drop. Occasionally, it will operate normally and the needle stays in the middle, but most of the time the damn things moves around on me! So my question is, what do I need to do or replace to make it work properly?? I don't think it's a grounded wire, because it never goes minimum "C" or maximum "H" when I'm driving, it just moves around. I am thinking its the coolant temperature sensor, but I am not sure. Also, could it just be a loose wire which is causing it to work properly sometimes and other times move around? Any info would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!

 

If the ECT sensor, located on the head next to the coolant neck, was bad then you would have a CEL along with idle problems and possibly hard starting.

The Temp sensor for the Gauge is directly next to the ECT sensor, its the smaller of the two which looks similar to a headphone jack when disconnected. You can determine if there is a malfunction with a volt meter.

Sounds like there might be air in the system though. Remove your radiator cap when the car is cool, start the engine up and allow it to reach operating temp. and the thermostat to open. Top it off, and fill the overflow bottle, then replace the cap and turn the car off.

 

Well, according to Frank Leta Acura its the thermostat sticking open. I picked the part up today but I can't get one of the damn bolts off the thermostat housing so it looks like I am going to have to pay them to do it. I hate when I have to pay to get my car fixed!

 

Bleeding the system doesn't cost you anything, the Thermostat was my next suggestion. You could try some PB plaster, those bolts should be pretty easy to remove. I doubt it will cost you that much if you have to pay them though.

 

I was going to tell you it was your thermostat stuck open.

It's easy to get off you just need an extension.

Remove the intake if you have to.

 

Socket wrench wouldn't work and neither would a open end wrench for the back bolt closest to the firewall, that was my problem. I picked up a Gear Wrench by Craftsman which is an open end wrench on one end and a closed, ratchet on the other side. That closed, ratchet side worked perfect to get in that small area and get that other bolt out of the thermostat hosuing. I ended up draining the coolant, flushing the whole system with a hose, putting in a new thermostat, and finally refilling the coolant. After I got everything finished up, the problem was solved with the new thermostat. My car heats up quicker and stays consistent on temperature like it should. Now I just need to install the new fuel filter that I have had sitting in my room for 6 months........

 

I recently started to experience the same issue with my 92 Accord and have been looking for an answer. I will replace the thermostat this weekend. Wish me luck....