Originally posted by Figols:
Originally posted by microtonal:
I know this topic is old but I have the same sort of issue.

Just bought a 98 Contour GL/2.0L, auto tranny with 91K.
Car runs fine and feels strong considering the mileage.
The water pump and thermostat housing and parts around it appear to be new/replaced.
No leaks around the motor or any of the cooling system parts/hoses.

Issue:
Temp gauge sits around the L in NORMAL after about 10-15 minutes of driving after initial startup.
Goes down to A from time to time on the highway or steady driving.

The cooling fans appear to work and the car seems fine but I want to make sure I'm not over looking anything.


1.
98Mistake, did you get your issue resolved ?


2.
Does any auto parts store do a free read of the ECU to check the actual temp of the car ?


After reading some threads, I'm wondering if it's just the temp gauge giving me a "false" HOT reading...


Any suggestions are welcome.





The temp gauge sender should always be suspect for high or low temp readings. You would know if your car was overheating even if you didn't have a temp gauge. The gauge sender is less than $20.00 and is very common to go bad. I'm reading WAY TOO MANY people changing all sorts of parts because of what the gauge reading shows and no other symptoms. If the only sign you are getting of overheating is coming from the gauge reading, change the sensor first. It's cheap. Go for the sensor.



Sender... it's a sensor, but called sender (sensor for temp gauge) .