QuestionQUESTION: I just bought a 1996 mustang gt 4.6L 8 cylinder and I noticed that the temperature gauge does not work and there is a light that is square with a fan and water level on it. My question to you is-- could I just need to replace the sensor or does the whole gauge need to be replaced? How much does that cost either way?(rough estimate) Thank you so much for your time....it is really appreciated!!!!- Amy
ANSWER: Hi Amy,
The first thing you should do is make sure that the vehicle is actually full of coolant. The temperature guage and the low coolant warning light work indepently, so if they both don't work, it may be low on coolant. The temp. guage has to be submerged in fluid to actually work. If your problem is a low water condition, it is most likely the intake manifold(known to leak from a number of different spots), or the radiator, which will probably ceiling at $1000. The intake is more expensive because it is more work and the parts cost more, where you can usually get the radiator replaced for less than $300. From my experience, it is doubtful that both the guage and the warning light have faulty sensors, etc. Who knows, it could be leaking from a loose hose clamp and not need expensive parts after all! Check for water leaks first and hit me back. Shaun.
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QUESTION: I filled the radiator with coolant and the warning light went off so I took the car to action auto and they said that the temperature gauge is broke because it doesn't even move. I have looked under the vehicle and watched it while it ran and I did not see any leaking of anything anywhere. Could this mean that the intake manifold isn't leaking? The auto place quoted my temperature gauge replacement at $222.....does this sound right? I am really impressed with how soon you got back to me and I have already recommended this sight to 3 people.... so again I look forward to hearing from you....thank you sooooo much!!!!
Amy
ANSWER: Hi Amy,
First of all, thank you for recommending this website (I don't receive any compensation and don't expect any, thanks is enough).
It is very possible that the actual gauge in the dashboard is faulty, and the quote they gave you seems about right for that. If you have it done, just make positive that it works properly before leaving.
If you had to fill up the coolant recovery tank, that means that there has to be a leak, even if it is very small. Sometimes the coolant will burn and evaporate away from the leak if it is very small, so you won't see fluid leakage. Look for greenish-brown crust around the fittings at the intake manifold that are the attaching points for the two temperature sensors in the front(one for engine control and one for the gauge) and the rear fitting for the heater hose. Also, the manifold is known to split on the crossover right behind the alternator(its kind of hard to see). Also look for the same crust at the tanks of the radiator and the hoses. Look also at the drainage hole for on the water pump underside. There should be no signs of leakage at any of those places. If you have a slow leak and are hurting for money, keep it full until you can afford to have it repaired, but DO NOT put stop-leak compounds in the system. I don't mind more follow-ups, so don't be shy. Shaun.
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QUESTION: Hey there again, you are fast as heck at getting back to me!!! I love that!! So if I have a leak and my coolant isn't going down fast - how long can I drive it like that until I can get it fixed? I just bought the car and really want to do whats right. How much would the cost be to repair the intake manifold?($1000 or more?) My last question is- if it isn't the intake manifold and is one of the other things mentioned...would those things be cheaper to fix then the manifold?--Thanks again!!!!
Amy
ANSWER: Hey there Amy,
Just check it every morning for a while to get an idea of how fast it is going. You should be able to drive it quite a while like that, unless the problem rapidly gets worse.
The intake manifold will be the most expensive part to replace, but shouldn't run much more than $1000-$1100.
Please let me know what ends up being wrong with the car, as I am becoming more curious now.
Feel free to E-mail me at tandmvegas@yahoo.com , or see me @ http://www.myspace.com/shauninlasvegas
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QUESTION: Hey there Shaun!! I sent you and email but I am not sure you received it. I have decided to let the mechanic at Action Auto check out the intake manifold when he replaces the guage. If that is the problem then I will go ahead and pay the $1000 to get it fixed. The one question that I have for you today is- if they have to replace the manifold then how long will it last before it might crack again-- and is it possible to get one that won't crack so easy? Thanks so much for all of your advice...I feel really comfortable speaking with you about it. Most guys make a woman feel a little dumb asking about cars. My father was a mechanic but he passed away just last month....and it is difficult without him. Just get back to me when you can!!!! Thanks Again,
Amy Covington
AnswerHi Amy,
You shouldn't have to worry about the new intake failing the same way(if that is actually what the problem turns out to be), because it has an aluminum crossover tube instead if the plastic one. I don't know why the cars have a plastic one, because all of the trucks came with a metal one from the factory. From further research, there were recalls sent out on the intake manifolds, but alot of them are still running around out there.
The fact that the plastic intake is still on it is actually a good thing, because that means that the car was most likely taken care of fairly well and not beaten on too hard on the road(that accelerates the failure).
Hopefully you can get everything back in working order, because there is nothing like enjoying a good running GT Mustang in the summer! Good Luck!
Shaun.
