Coolant temp gauge fluctuating during heavy traffic in heat

Not normal. Consider a coolant change.

My 2016 TRD OR has same mileage, and the temp gauge on dash stays mid point in most every condition and does not fluctuate.

My scangauge will show coolant temps usually in 198-202 range. If it is very hot out or a lot of 4wd driving it will push up to 210 and then drop as soon as I return to “normal” driving.

 

You must get a gauge as others suggested. This will tell at which temperature the thermostat opens and closes and better temp reference than movement on a needle which is how many degrees?

 

Thank you so much for your instucrtion Chew,
I just washed radiator gently. front radiator, rear and fan. there were few big insects and some small ones and fan was turning well with light duty water pressure Thanks again !

 

Yea I checked temp gauge often because I was pissed when I was driving honda civic.
just yesterday. I was stuck on highway over 10 to 15 minutes and went up climbing with 10~15 km per hour over 10 mins and I noticed coolant temp guage went up to over(not 3/4 point)
I will keep my eyes on gauge for awhile. thank you !

 

yeah you are right
I will see what is going on next on the road and I will consider a coolant change
Thank you !

 

Yeah I will consider actual temp indicator!

 

How’d everything go after this? My ‘22’s gauge raised slightly at idle at high elevation today.



The truck is very muddy, so I’ll try cleaning the radiator at the next opportunity.

 

FYI
OP never returned, hasn’t logged in here for a year.