Hello 04 dodge dakota in cab temp gauge won't rise. Worries me to drive if something goes wrong and truck overheats. Any ideas what this is? The rest gauges work.

 

All the gauges are driven by data provided by the PCM. If only one isn't working..... and the PCM isn't setting any codes..... might be a bad gauge. You can try the cluster test, see if the gauge reacts. Ignition off, press and hold the trip/reset button, turn ignition on. (not start) Once the tests start, you can let go of the button. All the lights should test, and all gauges should run thru a full sweep.

 

I did the Guage test and all works.

 

Need to plug in with a scanner then, and see what the PCM thinks engine temp is.

 

Could it be the temp censor

 

Possible. But, I would expect the PCM to set a 'engine too cold too long' code if it wasn't working.... and you drove for any distance. That, and if the sensor just fails, the PCM thinks its -40 degrees out, and positively DUMPS fuel into the cylinders, which really doesn't work very well, unless it IS really cold out.

 

Well it's not cold in SW Washington. The upper temp thing reads -40 and yes I'm getting coolant and oil mix and alot white smoke.

 

That is a BAD sign. Time to stop driving it, till you figger it out, and fix it. Otherwise, it just keeps getting more expensive.

 

agreed. I have everything to do head and manifold gaskets. So that's a start. Cheap but a pain.