Classic Temperature Reading
Discussion
I noticed a couple of days ago that the reading on the dash needle reading was off, it dipped down to low, then back to normal and back again. There were no signs of anything nasty going on but when I had a quick poke around later, the fan wasn't cutting in even after a prolonged tickover in the drive. Plenty of heat from the heater though. I did notice the coolant overflow reservoir was empty it seemed.
I've not had a close look yet but I can't see a leak anywhere and no water under the car. No suggestion of HG symptoms that I've noticed either.
As the needle movement was very fast, I'm inclined to think sensor. I'm new to Subaru so just wondered if there's a combined one or two separate senders (ECU and dash?), I had a quick look online and there seems to be conflicting info.
Its a 2001 turbo wagon, GC8. Any pointers before I start getting dirty much appreciated.
I've not had a close look yet but I can't see a leak anywhere and no water under the car. No suggestion of HG symptoms that I've noticed either.
As the needle movement was very fast, I'm inclined to think sensor. I'm new to Subaru so just wondered if there's a combined one or two separate senders (ECU and dash?), I had a quick look online and there seems to be conflicting info.
Its a 2001 turbo wagon, GC8. Any pointers before I start getting dirty much appreciated.
Thanks for the advice. I'm just waiting for a sensor to arrive and will give that a go.
Main reservoir at normal level for cold and I've not touched anything coolant wise so I'd be a bit surprised if an airlock had appeared.
Used the opportunity to strip the seats out and attack the interior with a Rug Doctor carpet/upholstery machine. It's a bit scary to see what crud comes out but suspect this has never been done in 15 years so understandable. Well worth the effort and £30 odd hire charge. The seats in particular look amazing.
Main reservoir at normal level for cold and I've not touched anything coolant wise so I'd be a bit surprised if an airlock had appeared.
Used the opportunity to strip the seats out and attack the interior with a Rug Doctor carpet/upholstery machine. It's a bit scary to see what crud comes out but suspect this has never been done in 15 years so understandable. Well worth the effort and £30 odd hire charge. The seats in particular look amazing.
Just swapped the sensor for a genuine Subaru one (£ouch!), it's the three pin version and thanks for the access advice. Alternator swung out of the way and an offset 19mm ring spanner soon had the sensor changed. Cleaned up the plug as I had it free, put back nice and shiny.
Unfortunately, nothing has changed. Temp guage still moving up and down very fast between 1/4 and 1/2 marks. I'm still a bit concerned I've no fan coming on, I left it idling for long enough I would think.
I'm fairly new to Subaru but not a complete novice with spanners. Is there a decent on-line source of wiring schematics somewhere that I can have a look at how they put this thing together?
Thanks again.
Unfortunately, nothing has changed. Temp guage still moving up and down very fast between 1/4 and 1/2 marks. I'm still a bit concerned I've no fan coming on, I left it idling for long enough I would think.
I'm fairly new to Subaru but not a complete novice with spanners. Is there a decent on-line source of wiring schematics somewhere that I can have a look at how they put this thing together?
Thanks again.
Sorry chaps, I'm not going at this very fast, sat here now with my arm in a sling!
It's a 90,000 mile classic, bog standard from 2001, one of the last ones I guess. Nothing done to cooling system, no obvious leaks, runs just fine. If the temp gauge was taped over you wouldn't know there was an issue.
The needle moves around to fast for it to be the thermostat in my opinion.
So with the new sender in and no change to symptoms, I don't think there's any option but to pull the dial.
I'll keep you posted!
It's a 90,000 mile classic, bog standard from 2001, one of the last ones I guess. Nothing done to cooling system, no obvious leaks, runs just fine. If the temp gauge was taped over you wouldn't know there was an issue.
The needle moves around to fast for it to be the thermostat in my opinion.
So with the new sender in and no change to symptoms, I don't think there's any option but to pull the dial.
I'll keep you posted!
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