[Zachary b]

I have a 2002 v6 with around 230k miles on it and it’s been overheating. The fans don’t come on when I switch the ac on and the dash temp always read 210 even when It hasn’t left the driveway yet. Not sure if it’s the thermostat or the radiator fans or anything in between. Any tips for trouble shooting the issue. Also no check lights are showing on the dash.

 

[Injuneer]

Reaching 210°F quickly after startup, with no driving sounds like a blocked t’stat or failing water pump. How hot does it get when you start driving? 210° is “normal”, fans come on low speed at 226° and switch to high speed at 235°. Anything above that is “overheating (in the red). The fans are controlled by the PCM, based on temperature readings from a sensor below the throttle body. Same sensor (I believe) has a second contact for the dash gauge.