This is my first post so I wanted to apologize if this is posted in the wrong forum.

I have a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport. Yesterday, my check gauges light came on, and I noticed my temperature gauge shot all the way up to 260. It only happens when I am stopped or in stop and go traffic. When I am on the highway or have a steady cruise/acceleration going, the temperature gauge drops to middle/normal and the light turns off.


Does anyone know what this might be? I am going to take it in to get checked out. I just wanted to post here first to see if I could get any heads up. I am pretty clueless when it comes to cars and car repair, but I am good about taking care of it. So, I am concerned.

 

First and foremost, you want to use an infrared temperature gun to verify that your gauge is reading the correct temperature. If it is the correct temperature, looks like you need to give your cooling system a nice replacing! I'd start with draining the coolant, flushing the system and then replacing the thermostat and hoses. From there, you may need to replace the other components of the cooling system depending on how long it has been since they were replaced. I mean the water pump, radiator and fan clutch. All really simple to do on your own (just did my water pump and hoses yesterday with the help of a friend and it only took me about 2 hours - mainly because it was the first water pump I've ever done). You also want to make sure that your electric fan is working properly and kicking on when it is supposed to.

If your temperature gauge isn't reading correctly, it is as simple as replacing the sensor that gives your gauge its reading.

Good luck! Hope your mechanic doesn't charge you an arm and a leg

 

Thank you!

I will take it in. I just wanted to sound like I kind of know what I am talking about, before I do. LOL.

 

Well, I put in some new coolant, and the light went off and stayed off! Then, I took it in for an oil change (it's coming up on needing it) and to be safe, I had them check it out, even though the temp gauge light has turned off.

They ran a diagnostic test and several misfires came up, which is leading them to believe I had a blown gasket to the tune of 1500-2000 dollars.

 

$1500?? Maybe if you have to buy a new head, but just a gasket sway should be much less. (I don't have the book to look it up though)
Edit: How does the engine sound? How is the ignition system? Was there coolant in the oil? Is there oil in the coolant? All these and more need to be answered before you bit the the $1500 (lol, btw) bullet.

 

X2

 

Just my two cents. But if your temp shoots up when your at a stoplight that usually means your fan clutch is shot. Is your electric fan kicking in?

 

Well, the light is off and staying off now, ever since I put in the new coolant.

The guy did say my oil and coolant were mixing, but this was just the place I took my car in for a quick oil change.

I am going to take it into my guy, the guy I trust, on Friday.


All of these answers are helpful. They're making me feel a little better about the problem and the price. Thank you!