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My coolant temperature cycles from 194 to about 230 degrees in stop and go driving rather than staying constant. Problem or normal? No other of my 5 vehicles does this. Dealer said normal.
if the outdoor temp is cool, i would expect what you are getting. the thermostat opens and the temp drops so it closes and allows engine temp to increase. when it is hot outside the engine warms up and doesnt cool down as far while running.
i would think it is normal if the temps where you live are cool/cold.
I think you will see more of a temperature variation when it is hot and the thermostat cannot keep the engine at the exact desired operating temperature, then the fans come on. When the fans come on, the engine temperature should get back down to around 200, where the thermostat would normally hold the temperature if the outside temperature was cooler.
My coolant temperature cycles from 194 to about 230 degrees in stop and go driving rather than staying constant. Problem or normal? No other of my 5 vehicles does this. Dealer said normal.
It's normal. It's not the thermostat, it's the fans. They're programmed to come on around 226 degrees. So, going down the road the thermostat will keep the temps around 195, but in traffic it'll cycle between 195 and 225'ish.
BTW, the reason I've found several cars that have very stable temperatures is because the gauges, while having an indication range greater than the normal range, have sensors that don't really work at higher temps. A classic is the '98+ F-body temp gauge that goes to 210 and stays there. Cruising, idling, racing, doesn't matter, that needle doesn't quiver!