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Dummy Question: Car's temp guage goes up with no AC, stays level with AC.

Featured Replies

Thermostat, waterpump and maybe radiator needing replacement?

 

or headgasket?

Edited by kirbykirb

It sounds like your fans aren't coming on. When you put the AC on it makes them come on. I'd have that checked out as you need the electric fans to work even when the AC isn't on.

maybe the normal radiator fan not coming on at all, maybe its wiring or connector issue. Sounds like the AC fan is coming on.

  • 5 weeks later...
  • Author
maybe the normal radiator fan not coming on at all, maybe its wiring or connector issue. Sounds like the AC fan is coming on.

 

Hmm, so could it be the coolant sensor then?

 

Since the radiator fans do come on sometimes by themselves if the AC is off, but quickly turn off again, but if I have the AC at level 4 (which I guess is the override) and AC on. Then the fans are always on and Temp gauge is then level.

 

I think I should do a big run and replace nearly every sensor in my car, speed sensor (prolly ABS sensor as well) and eh.

  • Author
Sounds like a bad engine cooling fan relay.

 

Oh?

Where is that at? In the engine bay fusebox?

Thermostat, waterpump and maybe radiator needing replacement?

 

or headgasket?

Your post doesn't indicate model or year, but your profile mentions a BD 1996 GT. The body style, of course, doesn't matter, but a '96 GT should have a DOHC 2.5L engine -- if so, it's certainly possible to have HG problems. If some of the coolant has been displaced by exhaust gases, then the temp gauge could be showing that. Furthermore, sometimes coolant won't be in full contact with the engine temperature sensor, so that the ECU doesn't properly control radiator fan operation.

 

If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest checking the coolant level -- not just in the reservoir tank, but also by removing the radiator cap when the engine is cool enough and making sure it's full. Do a search on this forum for ''burp'' or ''burping'' to find info on being certain that you've filled the cooling system completely. If the system needs coolant, and you don't have any external leaks (and haven't done anything that would otherwise explain it), then HG issues are unfortunately likely.

 

EDIT: I just found one of your previous threads. It seems that the possibility of bad HGs and what the symptoms might be has been considered before. http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=96104

Edited by OB99W

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