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1989 Ford Tempo no heat when car is moving plenty of heat w

Tiny
COREYMON
  • MEMBER
  • 1989 FORD TEMPO
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 45,000 MILES
Here is the scenario: after starting the 1989Tempo and letting it run for 10 min. When I turn on the fan I get heat. However, once I am driving for a few min. In cold weather, the heat goes away and all I get is cold air. If I stop and let the card idle the heat comes back. Radiator fluid level is good. Not sure if it is related but the temp gauge does not move at all, even after driving long distances. I am having to seriously bundle up when driving. Please help.

Thanks,
corey
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Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 AT 9:43 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Very common tempo/topaz problem. Have thermostat changed. Temporary solution is to partly block radiator from wind coming in front of car by placing some cardboard sheet between grill and radiator. If you block it to much car will OVERHEAT. Trial and error thing. Block at least half of radiator. Temp gauge should be at least a quarter but no more that just over half. Be aware of warmer days as they can rapidly cause overheat and boilover if radiator is blocked too much. Highway speeds shorten time required to overheat. Watch temp gauge. Pull over and adjust/remove cardboard as required. Like I said. Replace thermostat.
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Saturday, January 31st, 2009 AT 12:45 PM

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