No problem just question about heat and traffic

[Seasparrow]

Too many search returns for actual overheating so forgive the question please. I am going into my first summer with the 04 sport here in sunny Florida and as I read the manual I wonder if overheating (just rising temps maybe) is normal for you actual owners. My vehicle has so far been rock solid and red coolant is fairly new (receipt in glove box). It always sits at the bottom of the large white arc. Should I expect temps to climb in some non-offroad conditions in the summer?

From the manual pg. 134-135..

Your vehicle may overheat during severe
operating conditions, such as:
 Driving up a long hill on a hot day.
 Reducing speed or stopping after high
speed driving.
 Idling for a long period with the air
conditioning on in stop−and−go traffic.
 Towing a trailer.

Thanks for any input.
P.S. I have one cold *ss A/C system, yeah !!!!!

 

[blind squirrel]

Nope, you should not. The temp gauge on my 2004 has never been over half, or normal, in the 152k miles I've owned it on or off road. It gets 100+ degrees here in Kansas with no issues.

 

[Levinz11]

^^Agreed^^

FL guy here. 40 degrees outside or 95, my needle is always in the same spot.

 

[ARunner]

If your needle ever goes above normal (about half way) you need to be keeping a very close eye on it and if it goes toward the red, shut down the vehicle or risk permanent engine damage. The internal controls (mostly thermostat, fans) regulate the engine coolant temperature so that regardless of the ambient temperature, the engine runs in the recommended range (temp). Only in the event of a mechanical / system failure and/or extreme temperature swings (I'd assume below -20 or above 120 F)will the temperature needle be out of the normal range once the engine has warmed to normal temp. Crawling in low 4 in high temperatures is pretty hard on the cooling system, but still you should never expect that needle to rise. If it does, your best option is to pull over and pop the hood and let the engine cool. Keep in mind you have a mechanically driven fan to pull air through the radiator that is driven off of engine speed (RPM) and activates whenever the temperature reaches a certain point. When driving slowly, you're actually better off being in low 4, as this will bring your engine RPMs higher than if you were in high range and make the cooling system more effective. I've also found it keeps transmission temps lower than when in high 4 when crawling at low speeds.

 

[Seasparrow]

Thanks Everyone

I do appreciate your help.