Weird goings on with temp gauge!!??

KISSY · 17th June 2017, 16:15

The temp gauge on my 2004 Connie has been behaving oddly today (and did so recently as well), swaying wildly up and down, especially when moving off from stationary.
My daughter was driving at the time and we experienced a loss of power as well?
I seem to remember something rather similar happening to my husbands 75, which I am sure was related to a fan failure, and overheating!
He is not around currently, so I hope someone can give us some advice regarding what to check and whether this might indicate anything serious?
Thank you

T-Cut · 17th June 2017, 18:59

I see it's a diesel. The erratic temperature gauge suggests there's transient overheating and needs sorting before driving it. First check the coolant level in the filler/header tank. The liquid should be visible at the bottom of the fins as shown below.

If not, top it up to this level with fresh coolant.

This may be all that's rquired, but the cooling fan should actually start when the engine reaches 100C. This is well within the 'normal' range shown on the dial, so any jumping over that indicates 115C and above. Do the Demist test to check the fan.

With the ignition on or with the engine running, press the aircon Demist button. The fan should start and run continuously. Go to the front of the car and listen through the grill. You should hear the fan running. It should be obvious. Press Demist again to stop it.

If this test indicates no fan is running, there's a cooling fan issue that needs fixing.

TC

Rev Jules · 17th June 2017, 19:05

That's strange, today travelled 112 miles home, two miles from home stopped to pick up a loaf of bread and a paper, got back in the car started off and noticed the temp gauge was showing -8.5c and dropping finally stopped at -0.5c.

Any clues as too why.

Rev

KISSY · 17th June 2017, 19:23

Thanks T-cut - I did check the coolant level and it looks ok.

My daughter and I are out tonight, but the Rover is at home cooling down, so will do the fan test in the morning.

I know my husband had a replacement fan from Jules in North Wales, shipped out to Spain and despite the heat (40 degrees this week!!!), it continues to work very well - although rather noisy! :-)

dad1uk · 17th June 2017, 20:03

When I had problems with duff temperature readings and the fan switching on and off at will and sometimes warning of overheating and going into limp mode, it was all down to the temperature sensor.
About £20 and everything was back to normal.....

KISSY · 17th June 2017, 20:19

OK, thanks 'dad1uk' - noted! :-)'

KISSY · 18th June 2017, 10:05

Hello again.....

Just performed the 'Fan Test' - no signs of life or a silver resistor......

Car was already booked into the Garage on Tuesday, for another reason, so will add this the list.

If it is not the sensor (which I assume is a quick/cheap fix?), what sort of a job is it to fiit another fan, in terms of time/cost......???

Thanks

T-Cut · 18th June 2017, 14:49

Sounds like it's got the earlier 3-speed system. If so, there are two basic approaches. See if the motor is retrievable by checking the internal condition and if so, by fitting new brushes. Or, replace the system completely with a later 2-speed or an after market alternative.

Neither of these fixes should be trusted to a garage unfamiliar with the task. You'll be best finding a convenient 75/ZT specialist. There are recommended places on the forum.

TC

KISSY · 18th June 2017, 16:10

Thanks again T-cut!

Fortunately, the garage it's booked into on Tuesday, is MGRS in High Wycombe, not far from where I am currently (at my Daughters place). They know their way around these cars I believe, so sounds like they should be able to get it sorted without too much drama!

Just missed my flight back to Spain, due to multiple accidents on M25, which is now closed in both directions - you have to be thankful for many things in such circumstances :-(

17th June 2017, 16:15	#1
KISSY Regular poster Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: West Wales Posts: 51 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	Weird goings on with temp gauge!!?? The temp gauge on my 2004 Connie has been behaving oddly today (and did so recently as well), swaying wildly up and down, especially when moving off from stationary. My daughter was driving at the time and we experienced a loss of power as well? I seem to remember something rather similar happening to my husbands 75, which I am sure was related to a fan failure, and overheating! He is not around currently, so I hope someone can give us some advice regarding what to check and whether this might indicate anything serious? Thank you

17th June 2017, 20:03	#5
dad1uk Loves to post No Rover at the moment = Vauxhall Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Birmingham Posts: 278 Thanks: 99 Thanked 75 Times in 55 Posts	When I had problems with duff temperature readings and the fan switching on and off at will and sometimes warning of overheating and going into limp mode, it was all down to the temperature sensor. About £20 and everything was back to normal..... __________________ Simon.

17th June 2017, 18:59	#2
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	I see it's a diesel. The erratic temperature gauge suggests there's transient overheating and needs sorting before driving it. First check the coolant level in the filler/header tank. The liquid should be visible at the bottom of the fins as shown below. If not, top it up to this level with fresh coolant. This may be all that's rquired, but the cooling fan should actually start when the engine reaches 100C. This is well within the 'normal' range shown on the dial, so any jumping over that indicates 115C and above. Do the Demist test to check the fan. With the ignition on or with the engine running, press the aircon Demist button. The fan should start and run continuously. Go to the front of the car and listen through the grill. You should hear the fan running. It should be obvious. Press Demist again to stop it. If this test indicates no fan is running, there's a cooling fan issue that needs fixing. TC

17th June 2017, 19:05	#3
Rev Jules This is my second home Rover 75 Tourer+ Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Radcliffe on Trent Posts: 10,711 Thanks: 7,308 Thanked 3,929 Times in 2,051 Posts	That's strange, today travelled 112 miles home, two miles from home stopped to pick up a loaf of bread and a paper, got back in the car started off and noticed the temp gauge was showing -8.5c and dropping finally stopped at -0.5c. Any clues as too why. Rev

17th June 2017, 19:23	#4
KISSY Regular poster Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: West Wales Posts: 51 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks T-cut - I did check the coolant level and it looks ok. My daughter and I are out tonight, but the Rover is at home cooling down, so will do the fan test in the morning. I know my husband had a replacement fan from Jules in North Wales, shipped out to Spain and despite the heat (40 degrees this week!!!), it continues to work very well - although rather noisy! :-)

17th June 2017, 20:19	#6
KISSY Regular poster Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: West Wales Posts: 51 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	OK, thanks 'dad1uk' - noted! :-)'

18th June 2017, 10:05	#7
KISSY Regular poster Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: West Wales Posts: 51 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	Hello again..... Just performed the 'Fan Test' - no signs of life or a silver resistor...... Car was already booked into the Garage on Tuesday, for another reason, so will add this the list. If it is not the sensor (which I assume is a quick/cheap fix?), what sort of a job is it to fiit another fan, in terms of time/cost......??? Thanks

18th June 2017, 14:49	#8
T-Cut This is my second home Rover75 and Mreg Corsa. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sumweer onat mote o'dust (Sagin) Posts: 21,753 Thanks: 341 Thanked 3,660 Times in 2,924 Posts	Sounds like it's got the earlier 3-speed system. If so, there are two basic approaches. See if the motor is retrievable by checking the internal condition and if so, by fitting new brushes. Or, replace the system completely with a later 2-speed or an after market alternative. Neither of these fixes should be trusted to a garage unfamiliar with the task. You'll be best finding a convenient 75/ZT specialist. There are recommended places on the forum. TC

18th June 2017, 16:10	#9
KISSY Regular poster Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: West Wales Posts: 51 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks again T-cut! Fortunately, the garage it's booked into on Tuesday, is MGRS in High Wycombe, not far from where I am currently (at my Daughters place). They know their way around these cars I believe, so sounds like they should be able to get it sorted without too much drama! Just missed my flight back to Spain, due to multiple accidents on M25, which is now closed in both directions - you have to be thankful for many things in such circumstances :-(