Temp Gauge Reading

[bikehauler]

I just got a 2001 Pontiac Montana with 4.3 and was wondering what the operating temperature should be. We've had some really cold days here lately, 5 above right now. The needle never moves past the first big mark. It seems to put out pretty good heat, although today it wasn't enough. The other day it was in the 50's and the needle did go a little higher. Thanks, Scott

 

[melsg5]

If you have the gauge pictured on page 2-103 it sounds like it might be a little low. Some other people with Montana's will probably respond to confirm whether that reading is correct or not.

http://www.vadengmpp.com/owners-manual/pontiac/2001-Pontiac-Montana.pdf

 

[bikehauler]

This is what I have. I wonder if the T-Stat is staying on all the time. My gas mileage is 21mpg and I've been using Ethanol.

 

[melsg5]

The thermostat may be stuck open but when you say Ethanol do you mean the gas has either 10% or 15% ethanol or you are using 100% ethanol?

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[bikehauler]

Well, it won't let me post my picture and I can't open up the owner's manual. Frustrating.....

 

[bikehauler]

They've switched blends on us so I'm not real sure what it is.

 

[bikehauler]

My gauge reads from 160 - 260 and never reaches the middle. Seems low to me.

 

[melsg5]

The owners manual requires you have Adobe Reader installed which is free software for PDFs. If you look under FAQ on the top of the screen you will find instructions for posting images.

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[Steelcity]

My 2003 temp gauge reads below half , between half and quarter on the dial. Now i had an 2000 that really only moved of the bottom in the winter and would barely throw heat, always thought it had a stuck open stat but it was located on the bottom of the engine and j was to lazy to change it.