Temp Gauge Going flat
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 3
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Temp Gauge Going flat
Hi All...the temp gauge in my 16 c7 went flat the other day, ie dropped to the bottom, the a/c went warm, however, the oil temp stayed within range(i was about 50 miles from home-arizona so it was warm out),so i assumed it was a gauge or sensor problem, and not a mechanical issue which would result in overheating or damage. Upon shutting the car off, the cooling fans went full speed, with no shutting off till the battery was disconnected. I had been having some concern about the car not getting hot enough(i like a coolant temp of 190-200), so was planning on doing the t-stat anyway. I bought the gm thermostat(dealers sell them complete w housing and o ring)for $125, and the coolant temp sensor, about $50, replaced both, which was a simple job, and the car is fixed. Temp goes to 190 or so, and no more crazy gauges. They are great cars, imo. Most backyard guys can do the services and minor repairs(unlike my porsches),make great power, fun to drive and well made.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Loveland
Did you get the correct OEM thermostat for your car? You said, you, like 190* to 200*. The GM engineers like about 220*. Is there any chance the coolant was just low? If the sensor wasn't covered up with coolant, that can cause a low temp reading.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,522
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From: Windermere FL
The symptoms:
- Max radiator fan speed
- No AC
- Temp guage at min
Le Mans Master
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From: Windermere FL
Le Mans Master
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From: Loveland
Always Shiftin'
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From: Central Florida
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My '16 did the exact same thing. After a lot of research, I ended up changing my Thermostat and coolant temp sensor.
I am pretty sure it was the Thermostat that was the cause of the problem, but went ahead and changed the sensor while I was at it. Not a problem since!
I am pretty sure it was the Thermostat that was the cause of the problem, but went ahead and changed the sensor while I was at it. Not a problem since!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,088
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From: Sunnyvale CA
Either a bad temperature sensor or thermostat will cause the problem. Last year it was a bad thermostat in my car.
And the fans will slowly decrease and shut off after 15 minutes or so. But the problem will continue until disconnecting the battery to reset the electronics.
And the fans will slowly decrease and shut off after 15 minutes or so. But the problem will continue until disconnecting the battery to reset the electronics.
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Melting Slicks
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Le Mans Master
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From: Loveland
Melting Slicks
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Le Mans Master
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From: Loveland
I did a test. I unhooked the coolant temp probe on the front of the engine. drove the car till warm. Very interesting, coolant temp quit, engine temp quit, AND oil temp all quit. I do know the oil temp has it's own probe, so why did they all quit. Must be connected electrically some how. I am not sure where the engine temp probe is.
Race Director
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From: North Texas
My Z06 doesn't seem to like it that hot.
Melting Slicks
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I did a test. I unhooked the coolant temp probe on the front of the engine. drove the car till warm. Very interesting, coolant temp quit, engine temp quit, AND oil temp all quit. I do know the oil temp has it's own probe, so why did they all quit. Must be connected electrically some how. I am not sure where the engine temp probe is.