May be normal.... Cooling issue

[ChiefWahWah]

I have a 2003 Element that was cooling a little low with multpiple other issues. I hooked a scantool to is and saw it was reading at 160'. I just purchased the car from an auction and knew it needed work. It had a code for o2 sensor and cam adjust solonoid. Replace the solonoid the element runs better. Went ahead and did spark plugs also. Replaced the thermostat and the cooling temp hand still is not in the middle, closer and running 183 degrees. So I thought maybe the o2 sensor is running rich causing it to cool slightly low. Go to remove the 02 sensor and BAM the sensor is damaged further inspection I find out someone has gutted out the converter... so I have a converter on the way.


Now since im don'e ranting about all this.. What temperature does your element run at and where is it soppose to sit on the temperature guage on the dash?

[AztecRol]

Im trying to remember what mine runs at. From what I recall, after she
is warmed up, temp sits around 195. I will check it on the way home.
I have the Garmin ecoRoute and I can see the water temp real time.

[psschmied]

Mine runs at a little under half scale except during the worst of winter. When driving I75 across the hills of KY and TN during the summer, it climbed to slightly above half-scale (still normal).

Dash gauges aren't precise tools. Testers that utilize the engine's sensors are limited by those sensors. If the thermistor is bad, the tester's reading will be unreliable. The onboard diagnostics may not indicate the ECT sensor is bad unless it is shorted, open, or sluggish. (PO116-118, 125)

The only reliable ways to measure coolant temperature accurately is to first test the ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor at a known elevated temperature. A candy or meat thermometer in the coolant overflow tube will read within 1-2F of the coolant temperature once the engine is warm.

AN aftermarket OE-fit replacement sensor costs $25-40

[AztecRol]

Originally Posted by AztecRol

Im trying to remember what mine runs at. From what I recall, after she
is warmed up, temp sits around 195. I will check it on the way home.
I have the Garmin ecoRoute and I can see the water temp real time.

Sorry, forgot to post this yesterday. I double checked on the drive home.
Mine sits at about 190 during normal driving conditions. Every once in a while
it would jump up to 195. I would say that is normal, for my E.