Why is my thermostat gauge running high?

Asked by Jessica Jun 28, 2023 at 11:20 AM about the 2003 Chevrolet Impala FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2003 Chevy Impala 3.4 that
overheated. The heads didn't crack
thankfully. So we replaced the radiator,
thermostat, thermostat sensor, water
pump, and all the hoses. The car seems to
be running good, the fans are kicking on,
but the gauge is still passing one or two
notches past the halfway point. Can anyone
tell me what the issue can be? Thank you!

2 Answers

155,285

Most likely you have air trapped in the cooling system. There's 2 bleeder screws that need to be opened while you're filling the cooling system. The 3.4L engines blow head gaskets too. So be sure to check for that too. Hope that helps! Jim

307,275

I agree with the air idea. A live data scan will bring up what the engine temperature that the computer is getting. If that reading matches what the gauge reads then all is well, but if the computer reading is lower than the gauge then you may have damaged the temperature sender for the gauge during the overheat. Once these engines have overheated strange things may start happening down the road.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    6,120
  • #2
    james sparrow
    Reputation
    4,630
  • #3
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    4,080
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Malibu
53 Great Deals out of 1,057 listings starting at $2,995
Used Honda Accord
49 Great Deals out of 978 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota Camry
49 Great Deals out of 1,094 listings starting at $2,500
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
167 Great Deals out of 7,420 listings starting at $6,995
Used Chevrolet Camaro
19 Great Deals out of 470 listings starting at $11,999
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
16 Great Deals out of 785 listings starting at $7,499
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
133 Great Deals out of 3,707 listings starting at $4,999
Used Ford Mustang
35 Great Deals out of 1,596 listings starting at $7,999
Used Nissan Maxima
10 Great Deals out of 199 listings starting at $5,999
Used Chevrolet Monte Carlo
7 listings starting at $9,800

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.