My 2002 Dodge Dakota is giving me fits. It's saying it's overheating (the temp guage is max'd at HOT) but I've replaced the thermostat, and the anti-freeze with 50/50 mix, and it still says Hot. It will say 'HOT' even when it's been sitting all night, and because of that the AC won't come on, just blows hot air. No smoke, no leaks, nothing out of the ordinary that I can tell - but this morning and the previous morning it was having a hard time starting. Would sputter and knock but after a few minutes it would decide it's ok now, and run. But the temp guage stays pegged.

What the heck is going on with this thing?
Thanks!

Chris

 

Try the temp. sending unit or coolant sensor. It would also help to know what engine you have. But those two would be the first place i would look.

 

...me too.