Stuck thermostat or bad thermometer?
 

Yesterday my temp gauge sat at the blue zone for an entire 50 mile trip. At the end of the exit ramp I turned the X off and back on and the temp gauge shot to the red and pinned. My heart sank. I then drove to the nearest parking lot and turned it off and back on. Back to the blue zone. Couldn't get the needle back to the red after many restarts - or the normal 12-o-clock position. I topped the coolant off with distilled water and still saw the same thing - blue zone. Drove to the destination, another 10 minutes on back roads and the gauge never moved.

Is this a stuck open thermostat or a fried thermometer? I'm doubting it's the gauge...but it could be.

I can provide more details if needed. Thanks.

I would guess thermostat. just take it back and have it fixed under warranty.

Mine did the same thing when I first bought it. Dealership replaced the thermostat and it has been perfect for almost a year now. Get it replaced though, cold engine = yellow goo.

you can usually tell . If the heater isnt working then it will be the thermostat . If it is then it is probably the sender unit for the temp gauge.

It is your thermostat.

Thank you very much. I appreciate all of your prompt and direct replies. I'll have the thermo replaced. I'm debating on doing it myself due to the cold weather and lack of heated garage. I'm perfectly capable of doing the work but I'm not so sure I want to face the cold/blizzard that just moved in.

Any approximate stealer installed costs?

why would you do it yourself if you can have it done for free under warranty at the stealer? you even get their coffee, muffins, and internet all free.

something doesn't add up here...

I'm out of warranty...:confused:

Just curious....is your heater putting out heat? Does it seem to warm up in the normal amount of time? I am having a similar problem with my gauge but it is an intermittent thing.

See, my work commute is 5 miles, one way. Given that it's been around freezing temps recently, I've just put the X5 not warming up to normal operating temp because I just didn't give it enough time. So in turn, my heat would never be HOT. Just luke warm. So, honestly, I can't tell you if this is a recent issue or something that's been going on for a month or two.

Going to bite the bullet and drop it at any stealer that has the time to do it today.