Overheating Issue

Hi all,

I had a recent overheating issue come up while I was out getting a late night snack. I have an UltraGauge in my 2005 PreRunner V6 that alerted me to high coolant temperature, so I pulled off into a parking lot and shut the truck down.

There was no smoke coming from the engine compartment, and no fluids leaking. I opened up the hood, and everything seemed normal. There wasn’t much heat radiating off the engine block.

I checked oil levels and my coolant reservoir, and everything looked normal. Should my coolant reservoir level be the same level as it is when the engine is cold? I’m banking towards a bad thermostat and/or coolant temperature sensor.

I had the water pump replaced a couple years ago, and put in a new radiator fan clutch shortly after. I’m hoping those things aren’t involved.

Any thoughts on how I should diagnose this issue? I can provide more information if needed. I appreciate any help in advance!

 

What was the temp?

Is it full of coolant?

 

Welcome To TW...

 

Coolant level should be a little lower when 'cold' compared to full operating temp level.

What was the temp read by the UG? What did the dash temp gauge indicate?

 

Looks like a false temperature reading.... Either the Ultra-Gauge is screwed up or the temperature sensor / wiring is hosed up.

What did the factory temperature gauge indicate? If it was indicating a normal range I would cast a shadow on the Ultra-Gauge.

 

Did you check the level in the radiator too?

Just because the overflow bottle is full doesn't necessarily mean the radiator is full.

 

I believe the UG coolant temp alarm is set to 120C default and it tripped the alarm. I didn’t note what the coolant temp was exactly.

I checked the reservoir and it was full. Did not check the radiator though. I’m going to have to do that when I’m able to.

 

Good to know! Did not note the specific temp in the UG, but it was high enough to trip the alarm. I believe the alarm is set to 120C default. The dash temp gauge ran up to red line.

 

I’ll have to check the temperature sensor and wiring. Factory temp gauge ran up to red line and Ultra Gauge showed high enough temps to trip the alarm.

 

I did not check the radiator. I’ll have to run it to check it’s full of coolant and that there isn’t air in the system.

 

So it's been over a week since your 1st post and you've still not checked the radiator?

aye aye aye.

Hopefully it's a simple situation. Overheats that lead to head gasket issues are expensive repairs. And unfortunately on many of the '05 models this was a weak point.........