My Nissan Maxima 1998 is not overheating but the temp guage fluctuates. They changed my thermostat yesterday. Am I okay?

Asked by ginlynch226 Aug 09, 2016 at 09:54 AM about the 1998 Nissan Maxima GLE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have had my Nissan Maxima 19989 for eight years. The temp gauge has always been set at less than halfway up the scale. Recently, the guage popped all the way up to the first line which my mechanic noted as 'extreme' and I shut off the car immediately. This happened when i had the AC on. I stopped using the car for a few days but when I got it back on the road I noted that the temperature guage was fluctuating pretty high the scale. So my mechanic cleaned the radiator yesterday and changed the thermostat. He showed me the old thermostat - it was half gone!
I drove the car last night and the temperature guage is fluctuating to below halfway up the scale, to midway up the scale. My mechanic says that is normal. Can I continue driving the car like this?  I have 207 miles on the car but I love this car!

2 Answers

103,435

Keep an eye on the coolant level as low coolant tends to be the biggest reason for temp fluctuations. Every time you have it parked check for leaks/puddles, although coolant loss can occur when in motion or out the tailpipe. As long as you are taking it to a mechanic and he is informed on what's going on, I think you're safe.

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Jorge Vazquez
    Reputation
    3,730
  • #2
    rtriel
    Reputation
    1,380
  • #3
    tahiti
    Reputation
    1,060
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Nissan Altima
32 Great Deals out of 759 listings starting at $1,999
Used Honda Accord
56 Great Deals out of 991 listings starting at $2,000
Used Toyota Camry
62 Great Deals out of 1,074 listings starting at $3,500
Used Honda Civic
200 Great Deals out of 4,053 listings starting at $440
Used Chevrolet Malibu
59 Great Deals out of 1,090 listings starting at $1,495
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
113 Great Deals out of 3,142 listings starting at $3,995
Used Ford F-150
320 Great Deals out of 13,991 listings starting at $1,712
Used BMW 5 Series
18 Great Deals out of 349 listings starting at $4,500
Used Chevrolet Camaro
14 Great Deals out of 282 listings starting at $5,995
Used Ford Mustang
60 Great Deals out of 1,365 listings starting at $4,995

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.