Why would the engine temperature increase

Asked by Sandra Jan 18, 2013 at 11:38 PM about the 2008 Dodge RAM 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

The temperature on the engine goes up 3/4 of the way when you step on the gas but when you let off
the gas the temperature goes back down below the 1/2 mark. Any suggestions why this might be
happening?

2 Answers

176,095

I don't think your engine temperature is varying that much so I would suspect that the voltage being supplied to the gauge is not consistent. Check the alternator belt and the voltage at the battery with the engine running to see if it's steady.

24,495

Check coolant level and check for air in the cooling system. If your coolant level is low you might have a condition where the coolant is sloshing around in the block. When this happens the coolant sensor will pick up the temp of steam/coolant mix and of straight coolant. If the sensor is steady at first then becomes erratic as it warms up this would identify your problem.

4 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    19,880
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,170
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,710
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
301 Great Deals out of 13,535 listings starting at $3,888
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
177 Great Deals out of 7,423 listings starting at $6,995
Used GMC Sierra 1500
128 Great Deals out of 7,841 listings starting at $5,500
Used Dodge RAM 2500
27 listings starting at $7,900
Used Toyota Tundra
25 Great Deals out of 931 listings starting at $10,698
Used Toyota Tacoma
36 Great Deals out of 786 listings starting at $9,975
Used Dodge Charger
36 Great Deals out of 865 listings starting at $5,995
Used Dodge Challenger
24 Great Deals out of 771 listings starting at $11,480
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
25 Great Deals out of 1,582 listings starting at $5,990
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
24 Great Deals out of 736 listings starting at $3,990
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
133 Great Deals out of 3,657 listings starting at $4,999
Used Dodge Durango
61 Great Deals out of 1,829 listings starting at $6,987
Used Jeep Wrangler
140 Great Deals out of 5,909 listings starting at $6,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.