Temp Gauge Going flat
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 3
Likes: 7
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
Posts: 5,443
Likes: 2,164
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: 6,515
Likes: 1,301
From: Windermere FL
The symptoms:
- Max radiator fan speed
- No AC
- Temp guage at min
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,515
Likes: 1,301
From: Windermere FL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,443
Likes: 2,164
From: Loveland
Always Shiftin'
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,028
Likes: 939
From: Central Florida
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C5 of Year Finalist (stock)
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: 2,083
Likes: 710
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.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 2,324
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 2,324
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,443
Likes: 2,164
From: Loveland
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 2,324
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 5,443
Likes: 2,164
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
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 10,409
Likes: 1,708
From: North Texas
My Z06 doesn't seem to like it that hot.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 2,324
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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.