Concerning temp gauge

[BDPSVT]

Fellow enthusiasts good evening, first let me say i purchased this car brand new and have babied her all these 25 years and she’s now a garage queen and only really goes out on weekends for a spirited run. Everything under the hood is original aside from plugs and wires and radiator and of course battery. To get to the point last year i switched to 5w20 and everything seems fine except for the temp gauge. Weather here in the big apple isn’t super hot yet but I’ve noticed in the last year that the temp is going just past the center let’s say 3/4 for a few seconds until the fan comes on and then goes back to dead center. It’s never gone past center and now it’s doing it on a regular basis. I’m concerned it may be the start of something. I’m wondering if it could be the oil. I’ve always used 10w30 and never had an issue. I’ve read that the gauge is not completely an accurate measurement of the heat but I’m just reaching out for opinions. Sorry for the ridiculously long message. Please reach out with thoughts and what maintenance i should be prepared to do. Thanks

2000 Tred 2130/2150 78k miles

 

[JScullin]

Thermostat could be on the way out. Also make sure your low-speed fan is turning on. If the temp sensor is like the Cougar then the gauge only reads from the sensor under the throttle body (see red) and that could be flakey.

 

[skunk]

Like JScullin said check operation of both fans. You can check the voltage of the temp sensor . At what speed does this happen ? Make sure there isn't junk like leaves between the condenser and radiator .

 

[SICILIANSVT82]

May also want to check your water pump. If its stock, it has plastic impellers and they become brittle and fall apart. And FYI, i would stick with what Ford says to use, motorcraft oil, its 5w30.

 

[BDPSVT]

Thanks for the quick responses. The gauge only moves past halfway when stopped or in traffic. At normal or highway speeds it’s to the left of center. The fan comment concerns me because I’ve only noticed the high speed fan come on cause I can’t hear it. Not sure about the low speed. I’m going to the shop Saturday and I will have them check. I’ll also change the oil and see if that helps. Summer is coming and I’m looking forward to some nice cruising. It’s amazing how much attention a 25 year old ford contour still gets obviously cause you never see them anymore. Thanks again for the help!

 

[skunk]

Oil will not bring down temps and 5w20 will work fine. I use Amsoil signature oil and they calls for 5w20 . Ford did change the spec to 5W20 through a TSB late in 2000 you can google it .
When moving fast air flow can get through the radiator fins and provide cooling but at idle or slow traffic you need the fans to pull air through radiator to provide the cooling since there is very little to no air flow . This is why we are pointing to a bad fan or a possible clogged radiator . Bad water pump will do it at all temps and no doubt max the gauge out .