I just bought a nice little 98 Cherokee to tow behind my RV. (4L, Auto, Multi-Port Injection). Anyhow, it looks like it's running at about 210 degrees F according to the gauge. I also measured the temp at the thermostat and it reads about that. The owner's manual says that it's hot when it gets into the red zone on the far right of the gauge. The gauge runs up to 260 with 210 right in the middle. The red part would be up around 250 degrees!

The Cherokee runs fine. Is this a normal operating temp for this vehicle? Can it really get up to 250 before it's considered hot? Thanks.
jor

 

Mine usually runs around 210

 

Mathematically, I believe the "red zone" starts at 241.25F.

 

About 195 to 215 is the normal operating range. It will bounce around in there as the thermostat opens/closes and the various fans move more or less air.

 

Thanks to all for your quick response. That puts my mind at ease.
jor