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There could be a few different issues that could cause the temperature gauge on your 2008 Ford Focus to read hot when the engine is not actually overheating. Here are a few things to consider:
Failed thermostat: The thermostat is responsible for regulating the flow of coolant through the engine. If the thermostat is stuck in the closed position, it could cause the temperature gauge to read hot even though the engine is not overheating.
Failed temperature sensor: The temperature sensor sends a signal to the temperature gauge to indicate the engine's temperature. If the temperature sensor is faulty, it could cause the temperature gauge to read hot even though the engine is not overheating.
Wiring issue: If there is a problem with the wiring that connects the temperature sensor to the temperature gauge, it could cause the gauge to read hot even though the engine is not overheating.
To determine the cause of the issue, it may be necessary to perform some diagnostic tests and possibly replace some components. A mechanic or a professional auto repair shop will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the appropriate repairs. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on the engine temperature and take note of any other symptoms or issues you may be experiencing. This information can help the mechanic diagnose the problem more accurately
In the most general of terms a diesel engine would operate at 86-92 C.
However, much depends on the distance you are driving. On a very short trip(s) your needle is unlikely to get much above cold on the gauge. That's because an engine needs a minimum of 5 miles before the thermostat begins to open to allow coolant to circulate, and 10 miles before your engine is getting to 'normal operating temperature'.
The ideal position of the needle is N - normal ... midway between cold and hot.
If, on a long run, the needle doesn't get much past the cold mark it's probably due to either a faulty coolant sensor temperature sending a wrong reading to the gauge, or a thermostat which is stuck in the open position.
If the needle is indicating too hot - again it could be a faulty temperature sensor, a faulty thermostat - or other problems.
With a fully warmed engine and sitting in traffic/idling your needle would creep from Normal to Hot .. and then the electric fan would kick in.
as far as the temp of the air blowing...it in direct proportion to engine coolant temp...try a hotter thermostat....as for the faan running continuously that is a seperate problem and sounds like a faulty rheostat or fan switch...rheostat is elect, switch on the fan motor that enables different speeds and may beinternal on your truck. only parts store will know . if it is replace fan motor. if not , test switch and then test rheostat
Ok........before replacing the thermostat, I would have run the car for 15-20 minutes, then turned the engine offf.......then feel the top and bottom radiator hoses.....if they are the same, and the fan did not come on, then this would be the fault........however, if the top was boiling hot and the bottom was cold this would indicate a faulty thermostat...........
Next step, as the thermostat is new.......run this test again and if the hoses are different temperatures, then this might indicate a blocked radiator......BUT more info required....is the temperature gauge going past half way ?????
I don't have the solution but I have the same problem. You are not alone. I have done everything you have done and have run out of options as far as fixing it with OEM parts. I am going to over ride the system with a hot wire and toggle switch and tie into the led wire on the #1 fan so when temp starts to rise past 180 degrees I can turn the fans on. Freeway driving is ok for me, no fan needed, just when I get off the freeway and around town engine gets hot. My toggle switch has a L.E.D. light in it to indicate the switch is on.
What engine does your Ram have? This could be an indicator of a bad head gasket. If the sensor for the gauge is truly bad, the only way test that theory is to install an aftermarket gauge, use an infrared temp sensor on the water outlet hose or replace the coolant temperature sensor. If this doesn't help, you may need to take it to a mechanic and have them do a leakdown test. Failed headgasket can cause bizarre overheating issues. Good luck.
Offhand, your described condition indicates a sticking thermostat, that is there is considerable delay before the thermostat opens. It is also possible that there is some restriction wherein the thermostat is not opening completely when the triggering temperature has been reached. As a test and to confirm, you could try temporarily removing the thermostat and operate the engine without one; observe temperature. The side effect of this test is that it would take some time to warm-up the engine, but operationally should not cause anything untoward. Of course, care has to be exercised that the gasket would still be intact.
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