CONDITION
POSSIBLE CAUSE
CORRECTION
16. Thermostat partially or
completely closed.
16. Check thermostat operation and
replace as necessary (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ENGINE/ENGINE
COOLANT THERMOSTAT -
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
17. Cooling fan not operating
properly.
17. Check electric fan operation and
repair as necessary.
18. Cylinder head gasket leaking.
18. Check cylinder head gasket for
leaks (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING - COOLING SYSTEM
LEAK TESTING).
19. Heater core leaking.
19. Check heater core for leaks.
TEMPERATURE GAUGE READING
IS INCONSISTENT (FLUCTUATES,
CYCLES OR IS ERRATIC)
1. The gauge may cycle up and
down. This is due to the cycling of
the electric radiator fan.
1. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. If gauge cycling is the
hot zone, check electric fan
operation and repair as necessary.
2. During cold weather operation
with the heater blower in the high
position, the gauge reading may
drop slightly.
2. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary.
3. Temperature gauge or Engine
Coolant Temperature Sensor is
defective or shorted.
3. Check gauge operation (Refer to
8 - ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER - DIAGNOSIS AND
TESTING).
4. Gauge reading rises when
vehicle is brought to a stop after
heavy use (engine still running).
4. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge should
return to normal range after vehicle
is driven.
5. Gauge reading high after
restarting a warmed-up (hot)
engine.
5. A normal condition. No correction
is necessary. The gauge should
return to normal range after a few
minutes of engine operation.
6. Coolant level low in radiator (air
will build up in the cooling system
causing the thermostat to open
late).
6. Check and correct coolant leaks.
7. Cylinder head gasket leaking
allowing exhaust gas to enter
cooling system. This will cause
thermostat to open late.
7. (a) Check for cylinder head
gasket leaks using Tool C-3685-A
Block Leak Tester or the equivalent.
Repair as necessary.
(b) Check for coolant in the engine
oil. Inspect for white steam emitting
from exhaust system. Repair as
necessary.
8. Water pump impeller loose on
shaft.
8. Check water pump and replace
as necessary.
7 - 38
ENGINE - 2.0/2.4L DOHC
PT
ENGINE - 2.0/2.4L DOHC (Continued)