Q: My temperature gauge goes to hot while idling, but the car does not overheat.
While sitting idle with the engine running, my temperature gauge goes to hot, but the car does not overheat. If I am on an open road, the gauge goes back down below the center of the gauge.
My car has 148000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Recommended Services
| Car is running hotter than normal Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
The rise in temperature is due to the fan clutch not engaging the fan clutch until the temperature gets too high. This is the first indication that the cooling fan clutch is going bad. If you replace the cooling fan clutch using the correct one for your vehicle, it should fix the temperature problem.
I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine why the car is running hot and suggest any needed repairs.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
How much gas can the tank hold?
Whether you’re planning a trip or trying to manually calculate your fuel mileage, knowing how much gas the tank holds is important. The gas tank on your Honda can hold 18.5 gallons of gas. However, make sure not to “top...
Sounds like a belt is loose
Depending on the engine that is in your particular vehicle, you might not have a timing belt but a chain. Timing belts don't really make noises associated with lose belts. If a timing belt is loose the engine will jump...
Power Steering Hard Line Hose.
Hello. Steel tubing is used in BOTH pressure and return lines. It is used in relatively low pressure return lines to protect the line from mechanical damage. You can trace both lines back from the reservoir, or the pump, to...
Where is the camshaft sensor position A in a 2008 Honda Odyssey 3.5L V6 engine?
Facing the motor in the van you will find the sensor in the front of the rear of the cylinder head. That would be passenger side of the rear head. Mounted in the end of the head.
Oil leak behind oil filter
There should be an oil pressure sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-sensor-replacement) located near the filter housing. Check to see if there is a leak at the sensor. At idle, there should be about 15PSI of pressure and about 50-60PSI at around 3,000 RPM's....
How can you tell if your alternator is working properly?
Hi, thanks for writing in. Usually this is identifiable by the charging system gauge in your car, which should typically read, at idle, 13.8 to 14.3 volts with no lights or accessories on (although some may charge at a slightly...
Just replaced spark plugs and wires in my car and now it sputters at an idle in park.
Hello and thank you for your question. To check the spark plugs, simply remove one spark plug at a time and place it on the ground somewhere away from the engine's belts and away from the spark plug hole. Start...
My high beams dont work what could be the problem?
Hello and thank you for your question. The high beam switch sometimes tends to get stuck on low beams only. Check the high beam relay and see if it is clicking when the high beam switch is activated. If the...
What happens if you put ow520 oil in a 2011 Chrysler 200?
Hi there- you will likely not notice any difference at all, and it is unlikely to cause any engine damage. The "0" (vs 5) rating has to do with the fluidity of the oil when it is coldest. It will...
Related articles
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're an Undercover Cop
If If you're an undercover cop, when you choose a used vehicle, your main purpose is to look like anything but a cop. That means, of course, that an unmarked Crown Victoria is probably not the wisest choice. We’ve evaluated...
Is it Safe to Drive With a Fever?
A A fever is considered a higher than normal body temperature. A fever can be caused by viruses, bacteria, drugs, toxins, or fungi. Normally a fever comes with other symptoms depending on the type of illness that causes the fever....
How to Get Dodge Dealership Certified
Dodge car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the MOPAR CAP (Career Automotive Program).
Browse other content
Services
Cities
Estimates