That looks to be a bit low. Did you install an OEM thermostat? The gauge itself could be broken.

 

The one I installed was from Autozone. Is there a way to test the guage to see if it's bad?

 

The one I installed was from Autozone. Is there a way to test the guage to see if it's bad?

Get an OEM thermostat.

And I"m not sure where you read conflicting information but if anyone says anything other than "slightly below half", they are wrong.

 

This is the post I was referring to. The guage reads just a bit above mine.

I'd hate to buy yet another thermostat if the one I just bought (and the one I replaced) are actually operating properly. They're not stuck open. So before I go and shell out more cash, is there a way to verify if it could be:

a. a bad guage?
b. a bad temperature sending switch?
c. a bad coolant sensor?

What diagnostics can I perform on the system?

 

If the engine is not heating up and is sitting where your pictures shows, then it's the thermostat. THat's why you should use an OEM honda thermostat. I've heard of people having these problems with autozone...sounds like they open a bit earler and thus the incorrect temp.


It's a 10 dollar piece. Just get a honda one next time.

 

If the engine is not heating up and is sitting where your pictures shows, then it's the thermostat. THat's why you should use an OEM honda thermostat. I've heard of people having these problems with autozone...sounds like they open a bit earler and thus the incorrect temp.


It's a 10 dollar piece. Just get a honda one next time.

x2 I used to have a mustang and installed a autozone thermostat thinking that was the problem and it read below what was normal. I also second the slightly below middle for the location the needle needs to be pointing.

 

You know, I'm having the same problem! on any non-scorching hot day, my gauge is right where yours is. If the ambient temp is around 85 or up, it will go up to normal temp... only to drop down when I am just cruising between 2500 and 4000 RPMs. Definitely gotta check the thermostat.

 

Ok, so that 1st pic is where it was with the original thermostat. This is where is sits now. Just took this pic 10 min ago. Is this considered "normal" or still low?

 

If you have your old thermostat still, put it in a pot of boiling water with a thermometer and if it opens when it is suppoosed to, then the issue is not with the thermostat since the needle is in the same place.

Your gauge could simply be miscalibrated. Rare, but I'm sure it happens sometimes. Or a bad temperature sending unit/coolant temp sensor.

 

That new picture you put up looks where mine is at.

 

I dunno since I just bought mine a couple weeks ago. However, my temp gauge wasn't moving and I replaced the thermostat and it now usually sits between 1/4 and the middle line.

 

My 97 LS reads the same, the gauge rarely reads above a 1/4. I am leaning towards a bad temp sensor.

 

the new picture looks to be almost to where its supposed to be...but still a tad bit low

 

standard thermostat temperature is between 186-196 degrees if you don't your car will run off peripherals (set fuel spray and throttle position from the PCM) it should be higher but not a lot higher.

 

You're saying that the thermostat I got which was 170 degrees (and supposedly OEM spec) is not right?

 

second pick is about 5 degrees shallow of my guage. maybe your guage is slighty uncalibrated

 

it would be a temperature sending unit not the temp sensor...there is a diff

 

mine does this too, runs lower than that, and as soon as i hit the road, it drops off to nothing, but everything under the hood feels hot. idgi.

 

same with mine, i havent done any diagnoses yet but im guessing its the sending unit

 

My temp gauge looked read this same level, so I changed my tstat and now it reads normal.

Unfortunately, after changing my tstat, 2 weeks later the top seal on my radiator gave out and i had to replace the radiator too.

 

i'm going to try and replace the temp sending unit then. that's the little object under the distributor with the single wire, right?

 

if you call it a "170 degree thermostat", and are using "170" in the right context, then that thermostat you purchased from autozone should be fully opened by 170 degrees. that is way too cold for the car. the factory t-stat shouldn't be fully opened until 194 degrees.

i replaced my t-stat a few years ago, from the carquest i worked at. haven't had a problem with it since.

you can test your t-stat (as mentioned earlier) by hanging it in water (not touching the pot) and bringing the water to a boil. use a candy-type thermometer (not touching the pot bottom) and note the temperatures.

 

When I was at AutoZone picking it up, the guy at the counter showed me the different t-stat's available. His system showed:

170 degree - OEM range
180 degree
192 degree
195 degree

I belive they are listed in the correct context - the heat point at which they fully open. I went with the 170 degree because it said OEM. IIRC, the Acura Dealer also had similar ranges of t-stat's available - all costing about $15 more than the autozone brand - hence why I went with autozone. If you're saying 170 is too low, perhaps I should have gotten the 192 or 195. Any thoughts?

If I'm going to pull the t-stat again, I'd rather just replace it than test it and have to put it back - especially if the one I got is too cold.

 

Always go OEM on parts like this. You can't beat it.

 

OEM is a good idea but I feel ya man. I bought one from Advance Auto. It seems to be workin' just fine though.