Chrysler Repair: low oil temp on Chrysler Voyager, coolant temp, chrysler voyager

Question
hi Roland, I have a Chrysler Voyager 1997 2.0SE. Currently have a problem with the oil temp gauge not rising at all and the blowers blowing out only slightly warm air. We went on a road trip for 30 miles and it still didnt warm up and the temp guage stayed at cold(in the red) Any ideas? Thanks in advance. Craig.

Answer
Hi Craig,
I am not familiar with that engine, is it a diesel? In any case, my question would be do you mean the oil temp or the coolant temp, or both? If the coolant temp is low, then it would appear that the thermostat is stuck open so that the temp is never allowed to reach normal range. It is usually located in a housing where the top radiator hose connects to the engine. I am not familiar with an oil temp gauge but I would doubt that it impacts the heating system, which almost always uses the coolant as a source of heat.
Roland

It`s a petrol engine (I live in the UK). It`s the temp gauge on the left of the main dash dials. It has a picture of a thermostat on it dipped into liquid, so probably the coolant temp as you say (sorry it doesnt have a label on it and I bought the car second hand with no manual, so I had a guess.. Will take a look at it tomorrow. Thanks Roland

Hi Craig,
I'll assume this is like the 4 cyl 2.4L engine sold in the US. If so, then indeed the thermostat is in the housing where its hose goes to the top of the radiator. I would suggest that you drain off some of the coolant from the radiator into a pan for re-use if it is of good condition, say a couple of quarts so that the level of coolant is below the thermostat housing so that when you remove the housing it will be dry.  You can then see if it is stuck open or opens at a temperature far lower than 195 F when you put it in a pan of heated water. If so, then get a replacement thermotat and a gasket for the housing. Clean both the housing and engine face so that the new gasket will seal well. The wet the gasket with water and place in on the housing. Then install the thermostat taking care that the vent hole is facing up the way you found the original thermostat to be orieted when you removed it. Then apply the housing/gasket to the engine making sure that the thermostat is properly positioned in the recess in which it sits. Attach the housing with the bolts and torque them to 20 foot pounds. The refill the cooling system and start the engine and check for leaks and see if the gauge now comes 'on scale' and you get heat.
Roland