Weird problem!!! Please help!! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

89_3SFE · 07-30-2005, 06:58 PM

I recently had the thermostat replaced, and the cap replaced and I also got the whole system flushed on my radiator. I thought I was good to go until I had been on the freeway for about 10 minutes. I had the air conditioning on the whole time, mind you. It started to very gradually get hot, so I flipped the A/C off and turn it to heat, but it didn't change it much at all. I decided to keep the A/C on because sometimes I noticed that the temperature gauge would slowly move back.

It just seems like the temperature gauge is so spastic, but I think it's giving me a correct reading. When I first start the car, the temperature gauge is cold and it starts to creep up as I drive more. It then stays at a good position for a little while, and then that's when I've been having these problems. How can I tell if the temperature gauge is shot? What if something is screwing up the reading and the coolant is really pretty cool? When I turn the car off, but turn the key to ON, the fan blows and the temperature gauge is pretty low, but then I'll turn the car on and it shoots up past what it should rest at.

I'm lost on this one. The only thing I haven't replaced is the radiator, and I thought those only went bad if it leaks, and it ain't leaking anywhere. I don't really know what to do. If anyone could help me, please do so 'cause I'm in desperate need of help!! Thank you guys!!

fredk · 07-30-2005, 09:14 PM

are you loosing coolant?"

Rick89GTS · 07-31-2005, 01:03 AM

Check for coolant loss first.
Then check the temp sensor where it fits into the neck coming outta the head; make sure both connections are secure and not corroded. Even if you don't see any corrosion, clean it anyways.
You also might have an air pocket if it wasn't refilled properly. Rad or heater core might be old, clogged or obstructed...?

speedyts49 · 07-31-2005, 03:26 PM

If I did the work i would check to see if I put the new thermostat in upside down.

Also did you top off the coolant once all the air was blown out?

fredk · 07-31-2005, 03:34 PM

hey 89, ya there?

89_3SFE · 08-01-2005, 09:12 AM

Yeah, I'm here. I was away from any computer all day yesterday. Thanks for your help guys.

Anyway, I know that there's no air pockets and that the thermostat was put in correctly. I also know that I am not losing any coolant whatsoever. That's why it baffles me so much. I just want to be able to drive that car for a few hours on the freeway for a long trip as I've been able to do earlier.

Is there anyway to check if the radiator's clogged at all? I'd like to check that first, because I know that's the next thing that might be wrong. At this point I think it's either the radiator or the water pump, and the water pump aint' making any noise so I'm sure it's not that.

PaulT · 08-01-2005, 11:15 AM

f'd up ground wire somewhere?

89_3SFE · 08-01-2005, 11:28 AM

I don't think my temperature gauge is shot, I just think the coolant isn't recirculating enough or as fast, but I dunno if that's because of my radiator being clogged or a bad water pump (even though it makes no noise, could it not be circulating fast enough?).

Is there anyway to fix a clogged radiator if it is the radiator?? I just don't have a ton of money, so I'm trying to save up as much as I can.

fredk · 08-01-2005, 07:08 PM

ok, get it circulating, grab a water hose and unplug the fans, put your hand all over the radiator and search for cool spots, watch the temp and wet down the radiator if it starts to get warm, and hurry

89_3SFE · 08-16-2005, 03:30 PM

Alright, guys, I fixed the whole problem!! It turned out to be the radiator, actually. I replaced the radiator with a Koyo off of eBay (found one for $60 less than what part stores were asking) and it works fine now!! My baby is back to normal and running just fine now!!! Thanks for all your help guys!

Rick89GTS · 08-17-2005, 05:11 AM

Nice job.

Is the Koyo radiator a single or 2-core radiator?

89_3SFE · 08-17-2005, 05:36 PM

Thanks man. The radiator I got was only a single core radiator. I couldn't find a double core and I was told that they don't even make them for my 89 Celica. I know my 91 Camry's got a double core and I think that radiator's going bad, too. It does exactly the same thing after I've replaced and repaired just about everything else but the radiator. Kinda weird they happened both at the same time.