Bizaar temp gauge readings..

[Zac]

Hi,
My temp gauge has started doing wired things, it works fine when i start the car but a few miles later it goes to max reading for a bit then drops back down to normal, then up then down etc.. The engine isn't overheating and when idling then fan kicks in as normal. I don't think its the thermastat so any ideas?

 

[Anonymous]

What is the actual running temp for a bravo 1.6?, mines sit's on the half way mark, Is this correct?

 

[Deckchair]

temp gauge fluctuations

I found that a poor contact on the water temp transmitter was making my gauge zip up and down wildly just now and again. Just taking it off and moving it on and off to make a better contact did the trick. Came back again this summer and did the same.

 

[J Moore]

Have you taken a look at the obvious, like the water level.

If its gone way low, you will see temperature swings, as water, then air contact the temp sensor.

On my 1.6SX, the temp sits at approx one notch down from the half way mark.

I changed the coolant on mine last month. An air pocket appeared in the system, and I observed the guage go to 3/4 hot before coming down to normal as the car warmed up on tick over.

If the level does seem fine, you can on the 1.6SX model check the radiator level by unscrewing the radiator bleed screw (plastic). If no water slowly trickles out of here, you might have an air lock. I'd suggest filling the radiator up through the bleed screw hole until its topped up.