Expert: Sean Halliday - 10/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: Is there any way to check if the engine is overheating other than the normal gauge (needle indicator on dashboard) that works in relation with the thermostat ?

The reason I ask this question is that my gauge is behaving abnormal and needle highrockets all of a sudden, e.g if I switch on the turn indicators !  So I want to know if the temperature is really high or its just a short/cross/grounding of the gauge circuit thats causing the needle to shoot up and down...

thanks very much...

ANSWER: Yes,you can check with a temp gun.Its a digital gadget used by shops to accurately read the engine temp.Im sure you can find one in the  parts store or online.I dont think theyre that expensive.I think your problem is in the dash unit itself.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok. thanks for that reply. If I find the temperatures normal, then I am mostly sure of some short/loose connection in my temperature reading gauge. Do I need to check the thermostat then, or just the circuit ?  

Answer
If your temp is normal then it is most likely the gauge itself.As the gauge does that with the turn signals on,i would suspect the speedo head dash unit itself.No need to do anything with the coolant system at all or the thermostat.The speedo unit is easily available from the junk yard for this year and easy to fit.