Temperature gauge is fluctuating sporadically, and the car doesn't seem to want to go sometimes. I just replaced the thermostat and I'm still having issues.

110

Asked by Drew Oct 30, 2015 at 04:10 PM about the 2005 Chevrolet Malibu LS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

10 Answers

Check your coolant levels. If the coolant is really low it can cause swings in the temp. readings.

2 people found this helpful.
4,075

By the sounds of this it will be the electrical connections on the back of the gauge

4 people found this helpful.
110

The cars performance coincides with the fluctuation of the temp gauge. And the levels were a little low after I changed the thermostat. But I have filled it since then. Could it be the water pump? Or maybe a cog in the system?

2 people found this helpful.

What are the actual temperature readings? What are your driving conditions when it gets hot? Does it run badly when the temp is really high? If so you may need a new radiator, t-stat, pump, belts and a good engine flush. It also could be a radiator fan issue. Not all t-stats are created equal. Look for one that has a large opening - some have a very small opening.

2 people found this helpful.
110

It runs bad and wants to stop running when the temperature fluctuates high. I installed a new T-stat, and the engines been flushed when I put in a new radiator. The belt is fine. I'm leaving towards bad O2 sensors. I'm changing one at a time right now.

1 people found this helpful.
110

Sometimes it runs fine during a trip, but begins to act up like it has been. Sometimes at the beginning, sometimes in the middle. Short trips.

2 people found this helpful.
110

Replaced the front O2 sensor. Still doing the same. What's your thoughts about the temp. sensor?

3 people found this helpful.
4,075

Being a Chevrolet expert right here in south Carolina, I would check the water pump and whilst off I would back flush the motor, turn the heater to full remove bottom and top hose and spray high pressure water into the bottom hose and all the muck will come out the top of the motor

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
110

After all is said and done, the water pump is what was bad. Replaced the existing coolant with new. Runs good now. But unfortunately my temp gauge isn't working now. But everything else is. Thanks guys.

3 people found this helpful.

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