Temperature Gauge Troubleshooting
I've got a 2001 Toyota Camry with over 244,000 miles and still going strong. While
driving to work today, sitting in heavy traffic, I noticed my temperature gauge sneaking
up towards the 2 o'clock position. I got off the next exit and drove the back roads to
work and it seemed to settle back to 3 o'clock with only a couple of times when I'd sit
at a light or start to go after the light changed would it sneak up again before settling
back down. I take good care of this vehicle, the last time I had the coolant exchanged
was back in 9/2012 at 220,000 miles. I'm at work now and will let it cool down and look
at it at lunch. I've not noticed any coolant in the snow recently (I park on a gravel spot
that's been covered in snow for awhile) that would make me believe it's leaking
somewhere. I have noticed this cold winter that it's taken a little longer than usual for
the heater to kick in while warming up my vehicle. I thought it was just me but could
this be a clue?
I'm not sure how to go about troubleshooting the problem. I know it could be a
thermostat, a leaky hose (which again, I don't think it is), or another thermostat sensor
in the radiator. I've never had to replace the radiator itself.
Any thoughts/help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.