Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting what is normal temperature?

I was wondering what is the "normal" temperature supposed to be. Assuming sensor and display are calibrated, is the normal setting in the contour dashboard supposed to be such that the gage points to straight up? THere is no actual degree reading in the display of my 1996 Ford Contour GL 4 cylynders, manual (75000 miles).

That is what I thought was for 9 years, but I have noticed that it has been half way between up and the red zone.

The reason I am worried, is that I have just done the troubleshooting of the P0171 code, changed oxigen sensors, and what finally removed the error (at least for now) is the cleaning of the MAF sensor that was suggested by some members here.

What would be other reasons for slight average overheating (other than the cooling system)? Can a vacuum leak still be lingering?

I rewrite that the "check engine" light appeared interestingly enough *4* times on the same driving place and situation: as I was accelerating in 2nd gear going uphill 10% steep road at 5200 elevation (after a 3 mile freeway). I could not reproduce the alert to trigger when going on similar uphill/gear *not* after freeway driving ...

Hope all this can spark ideas to put together a theory that matches all these signs.

thank you very much! stefano

My V6 Mystique triggers the low speed cooling fans at the M in normal, the 4 cyl run a little warmer, if running temperature changed suddenly, the waterpump is a suspect, or the cooling fan isn't triggering soon enough.

important add on to the my post: temperature is around 30s these days, and on the freeway seems to me it should cool better ...

maybe a thermostat?

when was the last time radiator/cooling system was flushed? My just be time to changed fluid especially if it was never done and your car is nearing 10 years old.

"Normal" temperature is indicated by the needle staying within the "normal" range which is printed on the gauge. Ford doesn't put numbers on the gauge so people won't freak out when the needle is pushing past the normal boiling point on a hot day. FWIW, some days my car's needle stays in the middle and some days it's a little past or a little below and it doesn't matter whether it's day or night or what the air temperature is. I don't think the gauge is all that accurate but it looks better than an idiot light.
Karl