Temperature guage stays cold

Asked by Blake Jan 27, 2023 at 02:23 PM about the 1999 Dodge RAM 1500 Laramie SLT 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Most vehicles temp guage while running stays in about the
middle. Mine stays more on the cold side. Like at the
hottest it shows 160. I know I need a new heater core.
Could that just be the problem or is it something else?

2 Answers

157,505

Sounds like you need a new thermostat. The thermostat helps the engine warm up faster and keeps the engine at normal operating temperature which is usually 195°F. Hope that helps! Jim

2 people found this helpful.
310,085

Yep replace the thermostat first, make sure you get the right one for the engine, a good parts store should have the right one in stock. If the heater core is leaking you should disconnect it and loop the hoses together to prevent engine damage from loss of coolant. If the core is plugged that maybe an indication of further cooling system problems. Did you just buy this rig? If so them maybe the previous owner was trying to keep engine temperature low due to a plugged radiator.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    20,220
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,280
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,760
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
289 Great Deals out of 15,384 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
211 Great Deals out of 5,943 listings starting at $3,995
Used GMC Sierra 1500
127 Great Deals out of 6,857 listings starting at $3,975
Used Dodge RAM 2500
27 listings starting at $4,000
Used Toyota Tundra
50 Great Deals out of 1,126 listings starting at $5,999
Used Toyota Tacoma
55 Great Deals out of 1,032 listings starting at $8,708
Used Dodge Durango
51 Great Deals out of 2,276 listings starting at $5,500
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
113 Great Deals out of 3,274 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
12 Great Deals out of 1,160 listings starting at $8,999
Used Jeep Wrangler
147 Great Deals out of 5,072 listings starting at $6,995
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
29 Great Deals out of 1,154 listings starting at $8,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.