I have a '97 LX450 and it has been a sweet truck so far. now this summer it has been overheating. I'm assuming it is b/c of the poor air flow that apparently is a major problem with this version of the LC. I drained the old coolant and refilled the radiator. now the temp guage max's out when I start the truck up. I don't even have to be driving, it just jumps to the top of the gauge as soon as I start the engine. I've read some posts about the LC80 overheating and installing new aux. fans, flushing the radiator and replacing the thermostat. Do I need to do something like this? I think i can replace the thermostat on my own and get a radiator flush but installing an additional fan is a little above my mechanical ability. any ideas? any help would be appreciated. thanks in advance.
Rookie needs help. temp guaged maxed
- Thread starter freeballs
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If it goes strait past normal operating temp, I would assume the thermostat is stuck. Get a new OEM one from CDan.:beer If you can do the other things you can install a fan. I just did this yesterday. Install and wiring is done but the fan will still not switch on
freeballs said:
I certainly wouldn't be driving it if the temp gauge is pegged. Head gaskets aren't cheap. You need to determine if it is really overheating or if you have a problem with the electrical portion of the system.
Tom
Yeah, the gauge or associated sensor is broken (associated wiring might be to blame also). A few years ago, I actually had a mouse chew through some wiring that caused my O2 sensor to malfunction and CE light to turn on. I found the broken wire, soldered it, then all was fine.
You can look at getting an OBDII scanner to read the actual temp that the ecu is giving out.
I use www.autoenginuity.com. But there are many more and less expensive ones that will do a fine job.
If the OBDII reader says that you are at overtemp, then it is most likely the temp sensor that is malfunctioning.
If the OBDII reader says that your temps are fine, then it is most likely the needle assembly in the dash malfunctioning.
You can look at getting an OBDII scanner to read the actual temp that the ecu is giving out.
I use www.autoenginuity.com. But there are many more and less expensive ones that will do a fine job.
If the OBDII reader says that you are at overtemp, then it is most likely the temp sensor that is malfunctioning.
If the OBDII reader says that your temps are fine, then it is most likely the needle assembly in the dash malfunctioning.
Which takes us full circle. That's not overheating. That's either bad sensor, bad wiring, or a bad gauge. Temp sensor is located on the driver side of the head. Get a Toyota service manual and wiring manual if you wish to repair yourself.freeballs said:
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The sender is probably bad, but the test is easy to confirm. Unplug the sender, turn the key to run, (the motor doesn't need to be running) the gauge should be at cold, plug the sender wire in and to should stay at cold if the motor is cold. If the gauge goes to hot with the sender unplugged you have a wiring or gauge problem.
has anyone tried to modify the temp gauge in this truck?