Simple as a sticking thermostat?

[GlynMo]

Calling the Griff doctors. I'm in Spain at the moment for the MotoGP and my car has developed a slight problem (it always happens when you're away!). Normally I have no cooling problems although my gauge perhaps under-reads. It usually sits at an indicated 80 after going slightly over, then the thermostat opens and it rests at 80. The highest indicated, in hot ambient conditions in slow traffic was approaching 90. It's now going up to 80ish then dropping to 70 or just over whilst cruising. Just the thermostat jamming open?

Thanks.

[ronspeedsix]

Most likely.
Leave it idling until fans kick in and look what your reading is. If you have the normal temp when idling and hot and temp drops again into 70 if you drive it then it should be the thermostat.

Ronald

[jimed]

With it maybe stuck open you can use the car so not a disaster. Hope you get it sorted though.
Jim

[GlynMo]

Thanks Ronald, Jim. The car behaved itself today so it seems even more likely to me that the thermostat needs replacing as it's playing up, something to look forward to when I get home.