Low temperature reading

[crapper]

Hello, for about a month now I've noticed my temperature reading is lower than I would expect. I get a temperature reading (70 degrees) about 5 minutes into my journey which is a bit longer that I would expect but with the cold weather we have, I'm no too suprised. The issue seems to be that the temperature seems to fluctuate between 74 degrees and no reading at all (< 70 degrees) while I am moving and gets to a maximum of 80 degrees in traffic.

I have checked the oil level (only had a service at Fibreglass Services less than a month ago) and all is fine. Coolant level is just below the minimum level but apparently according to the Fibreglass guys thats fine. I have also noticed the temperature of the air coming out of the interior vents being cooler than normal (luke warm rather than hot).

I think its something to do with the theromostat. If the air from the interor fans was warmer I would think it maybe the sensor.

Any ideas or suggestions on other checks I can do?

[Gad-Westy]

It could be your thermostat is stuck open. You could try removing it all together. If it makes no difference, thats your problem. Have you checked that the fan isn't permanently on as well?

[RichQuy]

Crapper

Funny you mention the lower air temp from the blowers, I've noticed my '04 111s doing that recently.

I have put a few posts on here recently regarding lower running temp (even after 30mins driving), readings around the 77 mark which decrease to around 73 when pressing on. I put this down to a new alloy rad I had fitted being more efficient but then I started experiencing the rev limiter cutting in prematurely (around 6k rpm).

A chap called Hans on here suggested that it could be the Black ECT Coolant Temp sensor which has 'gone'. He has experienced this himself on his 111s. Apparently this kicks in the premature limiter as the car puts itself into a 'safe mode'.

I am due to have mine replaced this Saturday and am hoping this will cure the Sherlock temp read-out, the occasional premature rev limit and if that will cure the blower temp it would be a bonus!

May be worth a check?

Cheers
Rich

[crapper]

Hey Rich, seems our problems are similar. I left my car running at idle for about 10 minutes and it did get to 102 degrees before the fans brought the temp back down to 95 region. I then went for a drive and at dual carridgeway speeds it held around 76 degree. The blowers were blowing hot when the temperature was 85+ degrees which makes me think it isn't a sensor.

I'm just going check out your topic to see if I can grab any more information, otherwise I'll call the Fibreglass services guys tomorrow for advise.

[S Works]

Sounds like a duff temp sensor. For the sake of a few quid, change that first and see if it settles.

[jons_s3]

I would definitely recommend changing the coolant temperature sensor - it wouldn't be possible for the temperature to fluctuate from 70 degrees to below 45 in such a short space of time. The sensors can be problematic - I've had to replace mine twice in 18 months of ownership.

[ludo]

S Works said:

Sounds like a duff temp sensor. For the sake of a few quid, change that first and see if it settles.

My S1 was reading mid-70s and it was just the temp sensor.

[Gad-Westy]

Whilst I'd agree with changing the sensor for the sake of a few quid (particularly as they're unreliable) if you're not getting hot air from your heater, you have a problem with the thermostat. I think your thermostat is jammed open, and is sending too much water through your radiator. Thats why its warming up so slowly and why you aren't getting hot air from from your heater.

[S Works]

Gad-Westy said:

Whilst I'd agree with changing the sensor for the sake of a few quid (particularly as they're unreliable) if you're not getting hot air from your heater, you have a problem with the thermostat. I think your thermostat is jammed open, and is sending too much water through your radiator. Thats why its warming up so slowly and why you aren't getting hot air from from your heater.

Fair point. Not exactly an expensive thing in itself either. Change the lot and be 100% sure.

[crapper]

A bit of a follow up on this. Took the car into Sportomotive (in Salibury) and they hooked my car up to their computer system. The result was that it was the Thermostat which was the problem. All fixed now and enjoying to upper end of the rev range again (after being so cautious while the car wasn't right).

One last thing Sportomotive were excellent and big thumbs up for them.