ok, I have a 95 4Runner, V6, auto that I bought a few months ago that had a few problems. Nothing major, I ve fixed all problems but the temp gauge issue. the deal is that my temp gauge never fully warms up. I THINK that the engine is running at normal operating temp but feel that something is shorted out so its not telling the ECU that.... so since the ecu doesn know its warm enough... it wont shift into overdrive. the gauge will go up a 1/4 and that seems enough for the tranny to shift into OD... but it takes FOREVER. Am i on the right track? Is there anything ELSE it could be? The guy I bought it from told me that the dealer HE bought it from put new "intake gaskets" in it. I believe theres only one intake gasket so I can only assume he meant head gaskets. but either way i wonder if something got pinched under the intake manifold. AND the temp gauge zeros out competely when I turn on the blower motor for the climate control. Any ideas? Also I have changed the thermostat, temp sensor, and done a coolant flush.
Temp gauge issues
- Thread starter supra6m
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Bad_Vision
Moderator
these motors are finiky about the thermostat you need 190degree to make sure it works properly. most after market ones are 170-180 degree.
combatmedic
Banned
Had same problem here, purchased a cheapo one, still had issues, bought a denso, has been fine ever since.
fourwd1
Moderator
Don't worry, 180* is the correct temp t-stat for the 3.0 V6.
Now if it wasn't operating in the correct temp range there could be a problem.
The correct opening range would be 176-183.
So that really just puts me back to square one. I HAVE a 180 t-stat in it now but the temp gauge never gets above a 1/4. Its been 100-110 degrees here in Kansas City all summer so the trucks warms up enough for the OD to kick in eventually, but the past couple of days its been about 85-90 degrees (thank God) so sometimes it never gets warm enough at all. I was driving to work this morning, it had finally got warm enough for the OD to come on, I got on the highway and with all the extra coolling wind, it shifted OUT of OD. I cant imagine what it will be like when winter comes. What would be the best next move? Get a Toyota t-stat,try a 190 t-stat, or something else entirely?
Bad_Vision
Moderator
trust me get a 190 stat and it will be fixed www.rockauto.com has a 195 degree if you cant get one at the local auto store
markfagus
New member
Supra6m, ya something is not right. I have the same set up as you with the 3.0 and auto trans. I live in NM so it is pretty much 100 every day here all summer.
My car warms up pretty fast and withing driving 1-2 miles my engine is warm enough to go into OD.
Where I live I drive on slower streets (20-25 MPH) for about 1 mile then I am onto a street that has a 45 limit. My OD in the summer is working withing a mile on that road.
As far as temp gauge, my needle usually sits just below half way up, unless it is really hot and I am in traffic then it will creep up to over half way up. In both scenarios the a/c is running.
Good luck
Mark
My car warms up pretty fast and withing driving 1-2 miles my engine is warm enough to go into OD.
Where I live I drive on slower streets (20-25 MPH) for about 1 mile then I am onto a street that has a 45 limit. My OD in the summer is working withing a mile on that road.
As far as temp gauge, my needle usually sits just below half way up, unless it is really hot and I am in traffic then it will creep up to over half way up. In both scenarios the a/c is running.
Good luck
Mark
combatmedic
Banned
Are you using a DENSO? Or a cheap autozone unit?
To the ones that were interested in my results Im glad to say that so far the higher tempt-stat SEEMS to have fixed the problem. I went with a 195 because the needle was just barely moving and I didnt think the 190 would put it where I wanted it. Over all the truck drives better, shifts better, idles better, the oil pressure is higher( oil pressure was almost nill at idle before). It runs and drive like my old 88 which was also a V6. Thanks to Bad Vision too for the golden nugget of knowledge, I was about totear into the top end this weekend.
Bad_Vision
Moderator
congrats man im glad it helped!
combatmedic
Banned
Whoohoo! We finally fixed something!
KidVermicious
New member
I think we fix stuff all the time. Just most posters, unlike Supra here, don't bother to come back with a progress report.
***UPDATE***
So the 195* T-stat seems to have made things better, but not fixed the problem. Anybody have any more suggestions. I KNOW that Toyota recommends a 180*, I used to have an 88 4rnr with the V6 that I accidently put in a 190* T-stat after a head gasket replacement. The engine ran warm at idle for 5 months until I figure out it was the wrong T-stat. So what Im saying is... If the 3VZE in my 88 ran warm with a 190* stat and my 95 with a 3VZE runs cool with a 195* stat... something is STILL wrong.
So the 195* T-stat seems to have made things better, but not fixed the problem. Anybody have any more suggestions. I KNOW that Toyota recommends a 180*, I used to have an 88 4rnr with the V6 that I accidently put in a 190* T-stat after a head gasket replacement. The engine ran warm at idle for 5 months until I figure out it was the wrong T-stat. So what Im saying is... If the 3VZE in my 88 ran warm with a 190* stat and my 95 with a 3VZE runs cool with a 195* stat... something is STILL wrong.
Bad_Vision
Moderator
if your stat isnt fixing the problem then you may have other issues like a clogged radiator or even a fuel issue. try running a can of seafoam in your tank when you have about 5 gallons in it. you wouldn't beleave what a clean fuel system can do your truck.
keep in mind if you have a automatic your tranny fluid may be burnt and not reaching proper temp as well and that also heats the radiator and transfers heat to the coolant.
keep in mind if you have a automatic your tranny fluid may be burnt and not reaching proper temp as well and that also heats the radiator and transfers heat to the coolant.
