Hey all,

I've got a 2001 S2k. Just wanna make sure my temp gauge is working. When fully warmed up, the orange barely leaves the "C" mark. Where should it be? Somewhere in the middle?

I don't think I've ever heard or seen the fans kick on either. Bad thermostat? Temp sensor? I have no CEL's illuminated. What do you all think?

 

should have three bars according to the gauge in the car.. do a search.. that has to already be on this website. anyway.. 3 bars means the temp is within some wide range of acceptable temps.

How are you not sure if you have ever seen the fans turn on or not? warm up the car, open the hood and watch the fan, if you've been driving your car around in traffic with this problem and it hasn't blown it up yet, then you are probably alright.,

 

I did search, and believe it or not, nothing is listed here. In fact, my thread shows up, so hopefully this helps some others out when they also search for it.

And since I've only driven the car 3 times since I bought it (last Wed.), I have not had a chance to derive what's normal or not. Sorry to ask a "dumb" question, but it's been my experience that there are no stupid questions, just stupid mistakes from not asking them!

So basically, the fans should be running after driving the car say, 15-20 mins. And I should see three "bars/units" under my temp gauge. So something is up. Any ideas what's wrong? Temp sensor bad?

 

well first step is read the owners manual.. even just a skim through and you'll find some great info.. such as never put the spare tire on the rear unless you wanna damage your differential. back to your problem. after 10-15 mins are you saying you see o bars on the temp gauge? or just one? none? You probably will not here the fans kick on from inside the care while you are driving it with road noise/whatever else.. I can usually here my water pump, and I can here the A/C compressor but no radiator fan.

the fans will only turn on once the temp gets hot enough. if it's cold(er) where you are it would take longer and the colder air temperature outside would better counteract the engines heat output.

 

When I bought my S used, the owner's manual wasn't included. To the OP, get a HELM'S manual for the S2000. Search on ebay, that's where I found mine. (Electrical and Shop Manual)

 

[QUOTE=Jetpilot718,Sep 28 2008, 11:50 PM]And since I've only driven the car 3 times since I bought it (last Wed.), I have not had a chance to derive what's normal or not.
So basically, the fans should be running after driving the car say, 15-20 mins.

 

Here's an image of an AP1 gauge from Modifry's website (www.modifry.com) for his ECT (pretty useful...just wish he had it for '06+). Normal temperature is below 235 degrees F.

 

Thanks for the info guys, I'll have to check into this when I get back from my trip. Pretty much I only get one bar and the fans do not come on. It sounds like either the fuses mentioned or the thermostat. And 03AP1 is right, if my car came with the manual I wouldn't bother you guys with silly qustions lol

 

Jet, check the secret compartment.

Open the glove box between the seats. There is a latch at the top to open the top of the console. Manuals are often hid in there.

You can check whether the thermostat is working or not. Warm the car up. Just take it for a quick drive then leave it running. Your top radiator hose should be hot. Now check your bottom radiator hose. It should be a similar temp. If not your thermostat is not opening.

 

Well, checked the fuses.. they're all in. Now I gotta check the hoses. Probably a thermostat gone bad I'm guessing.