1998 Toyota Camry Help!!

[Arozanski86]

I bought a 98 Camry in January 2011. Haven't had any real problems until now. It is winter so I let the car warm up for 20-30 minutes before driving. When I get in the temrnperature gauge is in the middle between hot and cold and when I turn the heat on there is hot air blowing out of the vents. But once I start driving the gauge slowly drops back down to cold and the air goes from hot to warm to luke warm. Once I stop for a few minutes it will usually go back up and get hot again. Once I start driving again the same thing happens. Does anyone have any idea what the issue is or what I should do to fix it? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Pvt-Public]

Sounds like either the thermostat is stuck open or has been removed. Just an aside there is no reason you need to let it warm for more than about 5 mins. it should be up to operating temp by then.

[bdy0003]

Yeah, thermostat needs to be replaced. Also, pretty much what Pvt-Public said, you can just drive it after you start the engine, however being careful not to gun it while its warming up.

[fenixus]

+1

yup, classic symptom of a thermostat stuck open.

I would replace it with a Toyota OEM one, you can buy it online at around $15+s/h plus the gasket a few $$ extra.

Other than that Kuzeh aftermarket is pretty much same as OEM, but actually more expensive to get ($25 last time I checked) or you can get a Stant thermostat with jiggle valve. don't forget about new gasket and the fact that coolant must be drained and refilled.

Toyota RED Long Life Coolant concentrate (requires diluting with distilled water 50/50) is a very good long lasting choice.