2002 temperature gauge hitting the top at weird times

08-24-2005, 04:45 PM

My temperature gauge randomly rises to the the hot end of the gauge and the red alert light comes on, then just as quickly as this happened, it goes back down. It normally rides in the middle of hot and cold. Is this right? Has anyone ever had this problem before? I only have 13,000 miles. Any information or advice is appreciated. Thanks.

explchik

tomip3 · 02-16-2007, 04:48 PM

Did you get fix it if yes can I know , what was it. Thank you

S.D.EE · 02-17-2007, 08:14 AM

I am not a mechanic but, have had this prob. with thermostats foreign and domestic. If 13k on entire engine(new car), the old fix is to replace thermostat,(less expensive part at 20 bucs or less). Sometimes they stick open/closed. A crucial question is, is the engine actually getting hotter than normall. i.e.- does this happen within 1-2 min. of starting car when engine has not been on for a while? or are you having to add water regularly? Also how long does the redlining of guage span? more than 3-4 min. or more like a min. at a time? Your guage should be around the middle for all fords I've ever owned. Also, depending on where the sending unit is located. Usually this guage is for the masses. Meaning that its usually just meant to tell us that we need to shut the engine off, immediately and have it looked at by a pro. But in the old days of less electronics, usually this was the thermostat, (prob. located where upper radiator hose meets engine block), and when it sticks , proper water flow is not happening. Only other experience of mine has been that some smaller engines really depend on the cooling fan. Which at idle, with hood up and a/c off, u can see and hear come on as car approaches normall operating temp. Neither of these should be going but that doesn't mean their not. If other electrical glitches of any kind r occurring, check fuse panel schem. in drivers handbook. fan will usually share a fuse with something else. gl.

55Birdman05 · 02-17-2007, 11:10 PM

explchik

You may want to check out thunderbirdnest.com there are alot of members in that site that is mostly for the 2002 thru 2005 T-Birds. They deal with all problems with the retro birds. I came upon this site by accident looking for a car I used to own in high school (69 fastback Galaxie XL)

Give it a try it's a very good site.