Temperature Gauge fluctuating problem

[']['R][) camry]

Ok at first I was 100% sure that my thermostat was stuck to wide open because it seamed that if I was stopped at a light my temp would eventually go up to normal and if I was driving it would drop down to half way between normal and cold (this was happening for the past 2 days and it has been hot around here). Just now I was driving, stopped at a light and the gauge started fluctuating up and down about 2 times rather quickly between normal and half way to cold... and then it just went back to normal for the rest of the trip…

So do you think the problem is the thermostat the sits on the water pump or the sensor down near the bottom of the radiator? Cuz now I think it is the sensor.

If it is the sensor down there then I guess I will have to take it into a shop cuz it looks like it is a bitch to get to

Anyone done this or know how much it will cost? thanx (I will be replacing the thermostat regardless becasue it has never been done)

Thanx

[amerikim]

Do you feel lose of power or any of the other tell tale signs?
Touch your radiator when it indicates hot and see if it agrees.
Had same problem a couple of years back, checked the thermostat and gauge, then when I ran an independant ground to it, everything returned to normal. Viva Las Bacon.
This warm weather is showing everyone its time to work the cooling system.

[Pineapple]

The one on the rad is the fan switch, I believe. The temp sensor should be on upper hose neck on the engine. Check your coolant level and leak. Air pocket will mess up the sensor reading. In this weather, the thermostat should be open all the time anyway.

[jhbhatia]

']['R][) camry - do you have low temp thermostat? Cus' what puzzles me is that your engine temp is going from normal to low...

[Nico]

Originally posted by Pineapple
The one on the rad is the fan switch, I believe. The temp sensor should be on upper hose neck on the engine. Check your coolant level and leak. Air pocket will mess up the sensor reading. In this weather, the thermostat should be open all the time anyway.

Yep it really looks like air pockets

[']['R][) camry]

Well it is stock everything except for I replaced the upper rad hose about 2 weeks ago


so it could be air!

thanx guys!

I will keep an eye on it and see what happens (it was ok all last night)

[mkivsoopra]

Sorry to bring up an old thread, but ']['R][) camry, was your problem just an air bubble? My 95 Camry is doing the exact same thing. It seems totally random. I haven't replaced any radiator hoses or done anything to the cooling system lately though. Thanks!

Garland

[BLUEMEANIE]

In your case, mkivsoopra, it is prolly a bad thermostat. Mine went out on my 95 gen3 in a similar fashion.

[mkivsoopra]

Thanks bluemeanie, I'll check that out.