96 Corolla thermostat running very cold in winter

[dandxg]

I recall reading some years back on this website that those of you in cold north have to block the radiator in the winter?

I ask because we have some real cold days in Denver and when not stopped in traffic my thermostat is running just above the cold mark, barely warmed up. Is that normal on a 10F day?

Stopped in traffic it goes to halfway like normal and when overheated fan kicks on.

Lastly almost all parts are original at 203k, including thermostat, but I don't want to mess with it if that's normal for a very cold day?

Car runs good for 203k.

[wei]

Your thermostat needs to replaced. It should open only at a certain temperature. If your temperature drops when you're moving it means the Tstat is stuck open.

[David*All-Trac]

A stuck open thermostat should or can show a CEL with P0125 code

[REN69]

definitely needs a new thermostat... most cars are usually around mid gauge.

[dandxg]

I was hoping to get some feedback from those in the cold north, but appreciate just the same.

I talked to a mechanic here in Denver and he said don't worry much. If it's real cold and it doesn't get to normal operating temp. prob. ok as Canucks sometimes put cardboard in front of theirs, I believe. Atleast they do on Ice Road Truckers.

[Bitter]

no, even when it was -25 outside I still ran middle gauge with a new OEM thermostat.

[speedy25]

The only difference blocking the airflow can do is let it warm up faster. BUT you have to watch and make sure that it isnt blocked too much or you will overheat even in cold weather.

-SP

[gold94corolla]

Originally Posted by dandxg

I was hoping to get some feedback from those in the cold north, but appreciate just the same.

I talked to a mechanic here in Denver and he said don't worry much. If it's real cold and it doesn't get to normal operating temp. prob. ok as Canucks sometimes put cardboard in front of theirs, I believe. Atleast they do on Ice Road Truckers.

I had the same issue... my car would never warm up in the winter and I would freeze. I blocked all the openings on the front of the car (grille and bumper) and that helped. The car would operate as normal, warming up and then the fans kicking in as needed to keep it just under half way on the needle.

[Danny289]

Same here ! before toching your Thermostat check your Radiator cap.

If the thermostat is not working proparely it doesn't work in any situation . Your thermostat doesn't care you are driving 90 mph or waiting behind trafic light, it will be open in cetain temprature the difference is: it will be open and close faster in 90 mph.

I had same problem with my Nissan Xterra which it ended up to Radiator replacement(lol I learned my lesson in hard way). Radiator cap is under 10 dollars. look at the cap if the seals are bad then replace it. If your problemis not solved Thermostat replacement wil be next option and go on