well, that was strange, after sitting at the bank drive through for about 7-8 minutes pulled back out onto the road and the check guages light came on and my temp was pegged. i pulled over and noticed no leaking or drips and the coolant level was ok. it hasnt done it since and i let it sit for about 10 minutes and heat up. pretty normal temp considering it is about 90 out today. any ideas guys? air bubble? time for a new thermostat?

 

It sounds like your check gauges light came on because it believes there was a high temp:

Engine Temperature High Message - Each time the cluster receives a message from the PCM indicating the engine coolant temperature of a gasoline engine is about 122° C (253° F) or higher, or a diesel engine is about 112° C (233° F) or higher, the check gauges indicator will be illuminated. The indicator remains illuminated until the cluster receives a

message from the PCM indicating that the temperature of a gasoline engine is about 119° C (246° F) or lower, a diesel engine is about 109° C (226° F) or lower, or until the ignition switch is turned to the Off position, whichever occurs first.

I would guess the problem lies with the coolant monitoring device/wiring and not your thermostat. You can check the wires at the sensor location (right by the thermostat housing; should be black/light brown wire and a tan/black wire).

It sounded to me like your engine felt like it was a normal temp, but the gauge was acting up - correct? Was the upper radiator hose hot? If so - that would indicate that your themostat is opento let the hot water out of the block. The temperature didn't really move around right? It stayed pegged? Usually air bubbles will cause the gauge to bounce around - not stay pegged. Normally you will also hear some gurgling sounds as well...

I would check the wires first. If that looked good, my next step would be toreplace the sending unit if the connection looks OK. You'll probably have to drain some coolant out of the system to get it in/out without making a mess.

Good luck!
Cartman

 

wthank you for such a quick reply. the temp light did not come on just the one that said check guages. i will go out in just a minute and check to make sure those wires are tight