Wife says the van is 'running hot' and 'smells like burning oil' but then again she always thinks she smells something burning. The temp gauge gets to half way which she thinks it didn't used to, but isn't positive. It is winter in Maine and for the last month or longer we've mostly been in the single digits, sometimes negative so I figure that could be masking an issue.

I idled the van and with a some extra RPM's I got it to warm up to just over half way on the gauge and confirmed the electric fan kicked on and functioned. The fan shut off when it dropped to half way.

The coolant level is at the max mark on the bottle, observed when hot.

Now I did notice under the hood, top front, what appears to be a power steering line that is soaked pretty good and an indication that some fluid dripped on the valve cover. I'm thinking that could be the burning smell.

So I ask, what is the normal 'heat level' of the gauge. Is halfway normal? Lovely how it doesn't show the temp, just a blank gauge with a halfway mark. Maybe there is not an issue other than power steering leak?

Thanks for any info.

 

power steering level good? the front hose on mine that is right in front of the engine showed signs leak and was replaced under my warranty. maybe wife turned steering while off?

 

From your description, the cooling system temperature and fan function sounds normal. My 2014 temperature gauge always settles at about the halfway point when the engine is warmed up.
I would be concerned about the power steering hose and suggest that it be looked at very soon. The burning smell is likely caused by a few drops of oil on the hot exhaust. A worst case scenario is that enough oil on the exhaust could ignite and cause a fire. Good luck in getting this taken care of soon.