Temperature gauge

80

Asked by Theodore Jan 14, 2017 at 03:54 PM about the 2012 Ford Escape XLS FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Earlier after I had been driving at about 70 mph for 15
minutes my temperature gauge shot up really fast. I turned
on the heat and slowed down. After a few minutes the
temperature went back down. A couple hours later on my
way home the same thing happened almost exactly the
same way.

Someone told me this could be the thermostat. Does that
sound right? I appreciate any advice, thank you.

12 Answers

That does not sound like a thermostat problem. First check the coolant level and top it off but if that does not do it then service the cooling system.

80

I forgot to mention that it would go down pretty suddenly then periodically go back up and down. Coolant level loomed fine.

2 people found this helpful.
223,685

If that is the case it may just need a new temperature sensor. Sounds like the fans do not come on early enough, sounds like they are working if the temp. drops suddenly.

1 people found this helpful.
80

The check engine light never came on. Is that relevant at all?

6 people found this helpful.
223,685

Yes and no. Sounds like the temperature gauge has not gotten to the red zone. Check the fans by taking it for a ride then parking it in your drive with the engine running, cabin temp. set on cool, and watch the temperature gauge and see when the fans kick in. It is either low coolant, thermostat starting to go bad, temperature sending unit, or maybe the water pump, thats not high on the list.

2 people found this helpful.
80

Checked again this morning. I haven't driven the car since Saturday. The coolant reservoir was pretty much empty. I'm taking it to the shop Wednesday.

50

My escape is doing this same thing. What was the diagnosis?

5 people found this helpful.
60

I crank my 2012 Ford Escape up the temperature gauge goes to the middle

3 people found this helpful.

Alway's check when you buy a thermostat what temperature it is they have different temps

Your Answer:

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