temperature

[celdak]

Hello,

I have a 1998 Corolla VE with 150,000 miles. Recently, the temperature started reading hotter than 50%. Mostly when idling and in traffic. When the fan starts up the gauge returns back to normal (about 50%).

So I took it to my mechanic. He said he couldn't find anything wrong with it, and it's normal to read hotter than 50% in traffic and heat.
As a precaution, I had a new thermostat installed, along with a radiator flush. It's still running HOT in traffic, and cooling down when the fan starts up.

What else would cause this, it only recently started running hotter? A friend suggested the temp sender might need replacing. Any thoughts?

[leeor_net]

Most likely the temp sensor. The electric radiator fans are supposed to kick on before the tempurature guage starts to change (that's what it's there for).

Seeing as the fan does kick on, it's probably not the fan relay.

Something else to look at is the coolant level, both in the radiator and in the overflow tank (should be near the battery).

Definitely want to get that fixed asap -- the overheating will eventually cause issues with the engine.