MY celica temp gauage wasn't working as i looked at it going down the m4 today.

But as soon as i stopped or when driving under 30mph, the gauge would rise to its usual place and stay there.

Then when moving fastly again, the gauge would fall.

Is this the thermostat? i've never had this problem before, the only similar experience ive had is that the temp gauge actually went past where it normally sits and overheats, this turned out to be the thermostat?

I just want to have some idea before i go to the garage as i dont want them fobbing me off.

 

have you checked your coolant level???


same sort of thing happens if the water pump is fkd.

 

Could be air in the system

 

Topped my water up a week back so should be fine, but will double check.

Its been working fine since ive had it (4 months) so there wouldnt just randomly be air in the system now would it?

 

Sounds like the 'stat.

Honda stats apparently fail in the 'open' position, so there's no reason Toyota ones should be any different.

 

How low did you water get before you topped it up? If it goes lower than the res then 1. there maybe a problem leading to the loss of coolant and 2. you may have trapped air when filling the coolant to the level.

Nick, i didnt think an open stat would make the temp go up and down like that. Wouldn't the engine just stay cooler and not fluctuate like that.

 

There's a helluva wind chill factor at this time of year. Stationary, the temp will tend to recover.

 

hopefully its the stat, nice and cheap!

The water didnt get very low in the res, about midway between min and max.

thanks for all your input guys, i really appreciate it.

 

Just because it's alright in the reservoir doesn't mean the rad's not empty!

Best check therein as well...