Engine Temp Gauge - Running Warm?

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Joined
Oct 3, 2008
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Location
SLC, Utah
When the engine in my Tacoma (V6 - auto) is warm my temp gauge needle points at the AT/P light area. It looks high in the range of the gauge. I know the gauges in LC's aren't the most accurate - how are they in the Tacoma? Where does everyone else's sit when engine is warm?
 
A picture would help.................

If it's more then halfway, it is too high (hot, etc)

Mileage?
Water pump ever done?
How is the coolant level? Leaks?
Coolant condition?
Thermostat not opening?
Plugged radiator or heater core?
Resistance specs for CTS?
 
When the engine in my Tacoma (V6 - auto) is warm my temp gauge needle points at the AT/P light area. It looks high in the range of the gauge. I know the gauges in LC's aren't the most accurate - how are they in the Tacoma? Where does everyone else's sit when engine is warm?

I have a '96 runner...close...the gauge is setting at about the 1/4 mark...sometimes 1/3...250K Miles.
 
I will get a pic up in a bit. I have owned it since 11,600 and it has 15,000 or so now. Has been this way since I bought it in September. Seems to run just fine - had it in for 15k checkup about a week ago. No work done to it that I know of. Bought from retired gentlemen, he gave me all his records and nothing shows there. No leaks.
 
Pic added.

This is where the temp is normally - in 80 degree weather or 23 degree weather.
I timed it this morning in about 23 degree weather it took 6 minutes of idling (clearing ice) and 3 minutes of driving @ about 25 mph - stop go - to get the gauge up to this point. I felt the hoses and whatnot and they were warm/hot to the touch but did not burn me or anything. Thoughts?
RPM's reflect in park.
 
Last edited:
That is perfectly normal. That is where mine sits. Hoses can be warm or hot, depending on if the thermostat is opened or closed to circulate hot or cold fluid to keep the optimal temperature in the engine.

Mike Shull -- Might want to change out the thermostat. It shouldn't fluctuate like you're saying. Plus, a colder running engine will get you worse MPG.
 

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