Mondeo Mk3 Temperature Gauge fluctuates ("jumps!")

[LincsFordFan]

Hi Folks,

I have a 55 reg Mondeo Mk3 1.8 petrol Zetec for the last 12 years, 91k on the clock.

I have cared for it well - regularly services and she still drives beautifully and looks great.

But just recently I noticed the temperature gauge needle fluctuates on long runs (it has previously always remained solidly in the middle once the engine is warm).  So what happens now is that it stays in the middle for around 15 minutes then it suddenly jumps up to nearly in the red, then after a few minutes jumps back to around a third before jumping back to the centre again!  It doesn't move slowly up and down but "jumps" around!  Most bizarre!  And happens at all driving speeds.  I took it on a two hour motorway run today and it was jumping  throughout!

Just wondering if anyone had a similar problem, or would have an idea what's happening?  I would add that the car drives beautifully when this is happening, and it ticks over fine at standstill.

Thanks for reading this.

Vivian

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Cal844]

Check that the engine coolant level is on maximum, also make sure the heater is hot all the time. If the guage drops does the heater go cold? Could be air in the system so try 'burping' the system.

 

Hope this helps 

Cal

[LincsFordFan]

5 hours ago, Cal844 said:

Check that the engine coolant level is on maximum, also make sure the heater is hot all the time. If the guage drops does the heater go cold? Could be air in the system so try 'burping' the system.

 

Hope this helps 

Cal

Thanks Cal, I'll check all that and report back later.

Cheers.