Temperature Gauge - Reads High At Normal Temperature

Article No.
98-21-3

10/26/98

GAUGE - TEMPERATURE - READS HIGH WITHIN
NORMAL RANGE WHEN ENGINE IS AT NORMAL
OPERATING TEMPERATURE-VEHICLES WITH 2.0L
ENGINE

FORD:
1995-98 CONTOUR

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1995-98 MYSTIQUE





This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to revise Figure 1.

ISSUE
The temperature gauge may read high in the normal range when engine is at normal operating temperature on some vehicles. This may be due to linear gauge function responding directly to normal variation in engine temperature.

ACTION
Determine if the system is operating within normal parameters or if a component is out of specification causing higher than normal readings. Refer to the following Service Information for details.

SERVICE INFORMATION

The 2.0L Zetec engine is designed to function normally under a variety of engine operating temperatures. Engine temperature is never fixed but will vary within the normal range depending on operating conditions. The temperature gauge pointer should always exit the normal range at a maximum temperature of 115°C (239°F). For example, engine temperature may increase within the normal range and gauge pointer position may be higher within the normal range under the following conditions:

^ stop-and-go or slow moving traffic

^ A/C switched on

^ driving uphill or in mountainous terrain

^ driving in hot weather

When operating under less severe conditions, engine temperature and gauge pointer position may be lower. These variations in engine temperature and gauge position are considered normal.

Refer to Figure 1 for typical gauge pointer positions at various engine operating temperatures.

An overheat condition for the 2.0L engine is any engine temperature exceeding 115°C (239°F). The pointer on the Contour/Mystique temperature gauge will move out of the normal range toward the red zone if engine temperature exceeds 115°C (239°F).

For complaints of high temperature gauge readings within the normal range, confirm proper gauge system function by utilizing the New Generation Star (NGS) Tester to measure engine operating temperature as follows:

1. Duplicate customer concern by driving the vehicle until the temperature gauge pointer reaches the customer concern position.

2. Using NGS Tester, monitor the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Parameter Identification Display (PID).

3. If NGS Tester indicates an engine overheat condition (greater than 115°C (239°F)), perform normal diagnosis and repair.

4. Compare NGS readings and temperature gauge readings to Figure 1.

5. If temperature gauge indication corresponds to readings shown in Figure 1, the temperature indication system is operating normally. Further diagnosis and repair are not required.

6. If ECT readings do not yield pointer positions as indicated in Figure 1, perform normal diagnosis and repair procedures as indicated in the appropriate year Contour/Mystique Service or Workshop Manual.


OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

SUPERSEDES: 98-16-6

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES: 204000, 204100, 204200, 206000