97 Corolla runs warm while idling, cold when in gear - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Howard.Harris · 12-31-2010, 10:06 AM

New to the forum, so hi all! I have had my 97 DX since 2000, but last winter, it started not shifting into higher gears when cold. I let it warm up now before starting out for the day, and notice that when it has run in park for 5 mins or so, the temp gague looks to be on the normal side (at middle) but as soon as I pull out, the temp in the car (with heat on) drops, as does the temp gague. Fluids are fine, no other problems so far. I have looked around the forum for similar posts, but am not that familiar, so if this type of issue has already been discussed, please bear with me.

Bitter · 12-31-2010, 11:41 AM

replace thermostat.

Howard.Harris · 12-31-2010, 12:00 PM

thx bitter, will give it a shot...novice mecahanic, but am learning more.

Bitter · 12-31-2010, 01:22 PM

just get an OEM thermostat with new gasket from the dealer and also replace the upper hose and use 2 new hose clamps, you don't need to get the hose or hose clamps from the dealer. The thermostat however is an important part and I always suggest using dealer parts when possible for toyota thermostats. they work better.

Howard.Harris · 12-31-2010, 01:51 PM

Appreciate the heads up, will pick one up this weekend and get to it!