Temp Gauge all over the place?

BSIDES

MEMBER
GMC

I recently took my 2001 Chevy venture in to have its thermostat replaced(because the gauge was always in the cold area, even though the car was warm). After having the thermostat replaced and driving it for about 2 months the temp gauge started flopping from hot to cold and the heater would stop working whenever the gauge went to hot. I took it back to the mechanic because I thought the thermostat was faulty. Now he is telling me that I need a new intake manifold gasket and that it will cost about $700.00. My question is does this sound like the right diagnosis? What do you think the problem is?

1 Reply

DAVID1984

MEMBER
7 POSTS

Make sure you coolant level is full, which I am sure you all ready have, also, make sure your coolant isnt mixed with any other color, which can cause performance problems, stick with what your manual calls for. Another thing you might want to check is the coolant temperature sensor, it may have one or more, but you can request a diagram showing you the place(s) the sensor is located. Unplug it and take a test light and ground the terminals of the sensor and have somebody watch your gauge in the car, if it moves to oneside or the other, past the L or H indicator, your gauge is ok, but your sensor is bad, if it doesnt do anything, your gauge is bad. Its something to try.