Temp Gauge Problem

[pug406glx]

hey everyone

i have just bought a 1999 peugeot 406 2.0i GLX took it out and it was alright when i first satrting driving and then all of a sudden the temp gauge went up past the red as far it would go and after a while it went down to 75 stay there and then shot back up and then it moved up and down like a yo yo?

any ideas people?

thanks

(New Member) Arron Scrace

[Doggy]

Hello Arron & Welcome

Air trapped in the cooling system?

406's are tricky to fill correctly, the header tank is lower than some parts of the cooling system so there are several bleed screws to help get the air out. I've no personal experience of this, but have read many related threads on this site.

Try searching the Engine & Mechanical Talk section for more info.

[mjb]

First thing to check is the coolant level. WITH THE ENGINE COLD!!!! Coolant in a hot engine is pressurised and scalding hot. Do not open the pressure cap when the engine's hot!

If you need to top it up, put the drivers side front wheel on a kerb, and fill it to the brim before opening the bleed screw(s). There should be one at least on a pipe coming through the bulkhead on the passenger side. If the level was really low, fire up the engine with the pressure cap off, wait for the coolant to hit about 86 degrees C and the thermostat will open, causing the coolant level to suddenly drop. Top up carefully, let the coolant level stabilise, kill the engine, bleed again (CAREFULLY - the coolant is now bloody hot) and you're done.

If of course you take the cap off and see there's plenty of coolant in there, your problem is more likely than not a dodgy coolant temperature sensor. Hopefully someone can give you an idea where it is on your engine.

[pug406glx]

thanks guys

1. do you know where the cooling system bleed screws are?

2. do you know the water level is in the header tank and where it needs to be?

thanks

[mjb]

2. do you know the water level is in the header tank and where it needs to be?

Between the 'MIN' and 'MAX' marks... but when refilling, just top it up to the brim and it'll leak the excess next time it gets hot

[teamster1975]

1. do you know where the cooling system bleed screws are?

One on the thermostat housing and one further back near the bulk head to bleed the heater matrix.
When you are bleeding start with the heater matrix as it's the lowest point!
Oh, welcome in by the way!

[swiss]

Welcome, and try the Haynes Grimoire of Flagrant* Misrepresentations for locations of the bleed screws and further description of coolant system maintenance. It also doubles as a mousepad in case the wife buys glass-topped coffee tables >.<


* Fla·grant,ˈflā-grənt, adjective: so obviously inconsistent with what is right or proper as to appear to be a flouting of law or morality

[mjb]

It also doubles as a mousepad in case the wife buys glass-topped coffee tables

It also makes a reasonable tv dinner tray. In fact, it's better at that than it is as a repair manual...

[steve_earwig]

My cat's used my D8s one as an impromptu litter tray once Fair comment, in retrospect...

Nice use of Grimoire

Haynes Necronomicon of Falsehoods?

[mjb]

Haynes Compendium of Chimerical Canards

[steve_earwig]

Invisible ducks? (Ok, I looked it up now )

[highlander]

Haynes Treatise of Untenable Prevaricates

[swiss]

My work here is done

[steve_earwig]

Thread hijack complete? Oh dear, what have you started?

Haynes 2010 Election Manifesto.
Haynes Bumper Book of Fun.
Haynes Fairytales.

[DRTDVL]

Could have the same problem as the 205 at the moment, a split in the rad cap causing momentary depressurisation.