Regular engine running temp?

[UncleMoney]

Well I hooked up the scanner which is telling me I have a bad engine coolant temp sensor. My envoy always sits on the middle of the 2 so a few ticks to the left of the 210 marker. Was wondering what your guys voys/tb's run at? And my vehicle runs fine is this something I should worry about replacing right away?

 

[STLtrailbSS]

Well I hooked up the scanner which is telling me I have a bad engine coolant temp sensor. My envoy always sits on the middle of the 2 so a few ticks to the left of the 210 marker. Was wondering what your guys voys/tb's run at? And my vehicle runs fine is this something I should worry about replacing right away?

Mine runs right over 210 and my obd2 torque app shows 207degrees almost constant. I have never had any sensor issue come up. In my old LT the readings were almost exactly the same. Is it a clearable problem on the ECU just to rule out a hiccup in the system.

 

[Wooluf1952]

Mine actually sits a line to the right of center.

The code can be set if the engine takes too long to get up to temp. Even if it reaches the correct temp.

The temp gauge isn't linear. So a couple ticks to the left of center can be 180 degrees, IIRC.

UncleMoney, what is the actual code your getting?

 

[Steve A]

in my 07 LT im running at 197-200 constantly on the scanner...

my gauge always shows straight up at 210

Steve

 

[Matt]

Mine runs straight at 210 on the gauge. On Torque it runs from 206-212 depending on conditions.

 

[Dshow]

I recently got the T-stat code that said the engine wasn't getting hot enough. It was reading ~180 on the scanner. I replaced the T-stat and it now reads ~210.

 

[Mark20]

A couple of ticks left of center on the guage is 180 F and eventually the ECU will throw a code. Something you're not going to notice if you glance at the guage while driving. Eventually the computer is going to throw a code that it took too long to get up to operating temperature. If you don't have a Scan Guage to read out the actual temperature you can clear the code (with a usually free scan at one of the auto parts places) and see if it comes back. Or just go straight to a t-stat replacement.

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk

 

[UncleMoney]

It's never read me the temp b4 but I have cleared the code and then it would come back later as I was driving!

 

[Regulator]

The dash board temp gauge is far from being accurate on our platform. I would suggest finding another method (torque app or scan gauge) and check your true temp. I would personally trust the code over the gauge and replace the t-stat.

 

[MAY03LT]

Was wondering what your guys voys/tb's run at? And my vehicle runs fine is this something I should worry about replacing right away?

206° per my scan tool. This was taken after I replaced the thermostat.

My mpg tanked when I got the P0128. So fixing it something that I would do sooner then later.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

206° per my scan tool. This was taken after I replaced the thermostat.

My mpg tanked when I got the P0128. So fixing it something that I would do sooner then later.

Your 'scantool'? That curiously looks just like a TECH2 screen to me!!

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Your 'scantool'? That curiously looks just like a TECH2 screen to me!!

It is! Lucky b@stard right?


As for normal temp, anything from 199-207F is normal for the I6. Above or below this means you need to change the t-stat or look into other engine issues.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

It is! Lucky b@stard right?

What would make it the awesomest scantool is unlimited access to TECHLINK for flash updates, etc. AFAIK you have to be a special person (not Corky from Life Goes On special) to have access to it.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

What would make it the awesomest scantool is unlimited access to TECHLINK for flash updates, etc. AFAIK you have to be a special person (not Corky from Life Goes On special) to have access to it.

No kidding, but at that point Id rather have one of the better cables for flashing (think they're Mongoose or something like that). It sure would be nice to run an 05 OS on my 02 truck, oh well.

 

[gmac310]

What would you guys suggest for an economical scanner that gives real time temp? My gage reads two ticks to the left since I replaced the thermostat. I purchased a new sensor and will be buying another GM thermostat but was hoping it was only the sensor. BTW, I never had an SES light come on for temp. related issues.

 

[Mark20]

Scan Guage II. Read up to four engine Paramaribo at once, create custom gushes, read and clear error codes.

About $150.

Sent from my Android using Tapatalk.

 

[MAY03LT]

Your 'scantool'? That curiously looks just like a TECH2 screen to me!!

It is! Lucky b@stard right?

That's how I roll

...I never had an SES light come on for temp. related issues.

Have you checked it for codes since the original thermostat replacement? I didn't get the SES light in my 03, but when the gauge only went up to two ticks left of center, it had a P0128 in the pcm memory.

 

[gmac310]

Have you checked it for codes since the original thermostat replacement? I didn't get the SES light in my 03, but when the gauge only went up to two ticks left of center, it had a P0128 in the pcm memory.

Yes I have. I had the light come on for the camshaft position sensor but that was the only code in there.

 

[Matt]

Gmac,

The most economical scanner is the Torque app for your smartphone. The full version is about $5 and a bluetooth adapter can be had on Ebay for about $20 for a cheap Chinese one that I use and have no problems with to about $100 for a non-Chinese made one.

The app does pretty much everything you want, check and clear codes, get real-time data including O2 sensor.

 

[gmac310]

Gmac,

The most economical scanner is the Torque app for your smartphone. The full version is about $5 and a bluetooth adapter can be had on Ebay for about $20 for a cheap Chinese one that I use and have no problems with to about $100 for a non-Chinese made one.

The app does pretty much everything you want, check and clear codes, get real-time data including O2 sensor.

Smart phone, what's that?!

 

[Harpo]

I changed my T-stat last winter after running to cold. I still having issues about bad milage.

Mine is almost constantly running at 91 C 196 F and sometimes go up to 94C 201F, Is that too low????. I have the Tourque app in my phone to check the temp.

Is there anything else that would cause it to run at to low temp, should i change the tempsensor as well??. Maybe it is sending the wrong temp to the PCM.

If my memory isnt failing on me i think the OEM stat was marked 88C 190F but im not sure.

 

[Dshow]

I was surprised as well. The T-stat is rated for 190F so I thought the engine would run a little over that when the T-stat opened. My engine runs ~210F (both gage and scan tool) when the T-stat is opened.

 

[gmac310]

I think you guys are confusing a t-stat as some kind of relief valve. The temp stamped on it is when it opens so the engine can warm up faster without having to circulate all the coolant in the radiator. Engine temp is ultimately controlled by the mixture ratio of the coolant, the cooling capacity of the radiator and efficiency of the cooling system.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

Gmac,

The most economical scanner is the Torque app for your smartphone. The full version is about $5 and a bluetooth adapter can be had on Ebay for about $20 for a cheap Chinese one that I use and have no problems with to about $100 for a non-Chinese made one.

The app does pretty much everything you want, check and clear codes, get real-time data including O2 sensor.

Be careful, the ones from China - like the ELM327 I bought - come DOA a lot of times according to reviews on the web and the return policy of the China ebay sellers are atrocius. You'll be out $30. In my case, the ELM327 from China worked about 1/2 dozen times and now its dead.

 

[Dshow]

GMAC,
My prior experience with engine temp had been with diesel engines. The T-stat was stamped 190F. You could watch the engine temp on a scan tool rise from ambient to a little over 190, then the T-stat would open, and then the temp would settle back down to ~190F. I was surprised it was not that way on the TB.

 

[Dozer22]

P0128 this code is good for about once every month to pop on... is this an indicator of a bad tstat? i believe on the OS i read that it was. my temp gauge also sits about 2 clicks left of 210 all the time which ive read is also another symptom of a bad tstat.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

P0128 this code is good for about once every month to pop on... is this an indicator of a bad tstat? i believe on the OS i read that it was. my temp gauge also sits about 2 clicks left of 210 all the time which ive read is also another symptom of a bad tstat.

If you have the code and your temp gauge is reading at least 1 full tick left of 210, then yes you really should replace the tstat. Also, the coolant temp sensor has been known to go bad as well. If it goes, then the gauge will read incorrectly, but the tstat will operate normally. Usually its the tstat, but I remember on the OS that the temp sensor went out more than a few times.

 

[Matt]

Be careful, the ones from China - like the ELM327 I bought - come DOA a lot of times according to reviews on the web and the return policy of the China ebay sellers are atrocius. You'll be out $30. In my case, the ELM327 from China worked about 1/2 dozen times and now its dead.

Luck of the draw I guess. Mine's still going strong.

 

[Guenther]

Luck of the draw I guess. Mine's still going strong.

Same here. I got 2 of them and they both work great but could have just as easily received 2 bad ones. It was worth the gamble for such a low price (less than $20 each) and I also bought from a U.S. seller on eBay so I could return quickly if they were DOA. Love the Torque application for Android too.

 

[MichEnvoyGuy]

Same here. I got 2 of them and they both work great but could have just as easily received 2 bad ones. It was worth the gamble for such a low price (less than $20 each) and I also bought from a U.S. seller on eBay so I could return quickly if they were DOA. Love the Torque application for Android too.

FWIW, I might buy another one, because IIRC I paid ~$25 and I really liked using it with the Torque app too.

On another hand, I was re-reading this thread and wondering something....

I replaced my t-stat 3 years ago or so because it finally bit the dust, stuck open, and set a P0128. I replaced with a Delco t-stat from the dealer - I bought an aftermarket one but figured I might as well do it OEM.

However, way before the t-stat went bad, and after I replaced it, my temp gauge always sets at 1 click to the left of 210. However, it gets there fairly quickly so I dont have any DTC's reporting its warming up too slowly. My Equus scan tool reports my temp anywhere from 190-198f during normal driving. I never go above 200f and it seems most members are reporting normal operating temps of 200f+ in their I6's

EDIT: Just checked my spreadsheet, I last replaced my t-stat in 2006 @ 89,000 miles.... Im thinking it might be time for a new t-stat and CTS to get my at/above the 200f mark.

 

[Harpo]

I have a almost brand new T-stat and still dont get these 200 + temps, never have.

Could changing my temp sensor do anything to fix that or is it pointless??.

Where is it located?, i have this barley broken in spare engine to pick from.

I could check my Haynes manual but does someone know.

 

[gmac310]

I have a almost brand new T-stat and still dont get these 200 + temps, never have.

Could changing my temp sensor do anything to fix that or is it pointless??.

Where is it located?, i have this barley broken in spare engine to pick from.

I could check my Haynes manual but does someone know.

The temp sensor is located right next to the t-stat. I say if you're going to change the sensor, you may as well replace the t-stat again. Did you use OEM because there seems to be some confusion on what the proper operating temp of the stocker is and if Stant or the other aftermarket brands match it properly.

 

[Harpo]

The temp sensor is located right next to the t-stat. I say if you're going to change the sensor, you may as well replace the t-stat again. Did you use OEM because there seems to be some confusion on what the proper operating temp of the stocker is and if Stant or the other aftermarket brands match it properly.

OK thanks
I got a OEM t-stat it was marked with 88c /190f.

My old t-stat was stucked partly open due to a warped rubber gasket.

Before the change the temp was much lower than it is now, but i have not the same milage now that i had before the t-stat broke.
I is almost as bad as it was before i changed it.

My theory is that if the sensor for some reason is sending the wrong temp to the PCM more fuel would be used than it should, Right?

I will take the sensor of my spare engine and see what that does before i change the t-stat again.