2003 Corolla slow warmup?

[holler1]

I'm checking out my daughter's Corolla (92500 mi) while she's home for holidays. Today I started it up and let it idle for 10 minutes or so before driving, and after that time the temp gauge was only up to about 7:30 clock position, a click or two above cold. Outside temp is about 40 F. After driving it a few minutes it went up to maybe 8:30, never did go to 9:00. I'm wondering if the thermostat needs to be replaced. Any thoughts on normal warmup time while idling? I'm assuming normal hot position is 9:00. Thanks.

[caddymac]

My 2005 is about the same way. Small car, small engine, I never planned on getting much heat out of it.

Mine tends to heat up faster with 5-10 minutes of driving than even 20 minutes of idling, naturally. So the only idling I do is during traffic jams. Yes, in Iowa, most traffic jams are caused by tractors.

[holler1]

Originally Posted by caddymac

Yes, in Iowa, most traffic jams are caused by tractors.

Even in winter? That must be really cold. Oh, forgot these are big $100,000 tractors with heaters.

I guess the thermostat is OK then. It goes to 8:30 after driving 10 min or so. I think my old Camry stabilizes lower than 9:00 too.

[thecase]

Stick some cardboard in front of the radiator. Leave a 2" gap towards the passenger side of the radiator (cold side), that should provide more than adequate cooling for northern climate cars.

Don't expect a miracle though, I've got my entire radiator done up in cardboard and it still takes 10 minutes of travel at 65 mph before it gets to normal operating temp. Then again, we've have a week of single digit temps.

Good luck!

[bbsgarage]

using the stock idiot gauge may not be a true depiction of what is going on.
they are notoriously inaccurate.

[JasonA]

Driving the car is absolutely the best and fastest way to warm it up. As you've experienced, the engine will take forever to warm up just sitting there idling. Meanwhile, you're running a lot of fuel through the engine, and getting some fuel dilution into your oil as well.

Absolute best thing: put on a coat, get in, and drive.

Oh, and normal running temperature position in the gauge is about 8:30 or 8:45. Not quite exactly 9:00. So it sounds like her car is running exactly as designed. Even on cold starts (20*F), mine takes about 5 minutes to reach normal temperature. I get in, let it idle for about 10 seconds while I put on my seat belt, ease out of the garage, and gently motor down the road while it's still cold.

[holler1]

Thanks for the replies. I guess the temp after warmup is more or less normal at 8:30 to 8:45. It seems to heat up reasonably fast when driving. I've always warmed my cars up a few minutes especially in weather this cold. It was 4 F this morning. I don't recommend it for others as it does use a little extra gas but I've done it for many years.

If anyone could recommend a good independent Toyota mechanic or garage in Chicago area, I would like to find a place my daughter can rely on while she is there.

[alpha_1976]

Originally Posted by JasonA

Oh, and normal running temperature position in the gauge is about 8:30 or 8:45. Not quite exactly 9:00.

You sure about that? Mine is perfect 9:00 when running normally!

[mikered30]

Originally Posted by alpha_1976

You sure about that? Mine is perfect 9:00 when running normally!

Mine is defently 8:30, not 9

[JasonA]

Yes, sure about it. Mine never reaches exactly halfway, or horizontal. It's always a bit below level.

[holler1]

I consulted the last place to look, the owners manual, and it shows a diagram with the temp needle about 8:30, so I guess it's official. However, I have seen the temp vary between maybe 8:15 and 8:45 while driving around.

[cny03owner]

Mine normally sits around the 8:45 to 9:00 position once it's warmed up, and that's after I've hit the road. Starting it up, letting it idle for a couple minutes, then driving about a mile to the interstate at 35-45 mph is usually what it takes to get the needle up to where it stays. One thing I've noted is that letting the car sit and idle kills the gas mileage.

[ryan_t888]

04 CE
05 CE

Both are exactly horizontal when fully warm.

Ryan