96tahoejb

My 1996 tahoes temperature seems to fluctuate from one line to another consistently while driving in all conditions, it never overheats and only fluctuates by about 20 degrees but I'm just wondering if it is normal or not, so far I have replaced the radiator(was leaking), the thermostat, and the heater selector switch. Please help as I would really like it to stay at a more consistent spot

96tahoejb

Any info would be apreciated I'm new to the forum and am not sure if I'm posting this thread right

Rednucleus

My 93 dash gauge varies from 140 to 200 - has done it for the last 275k miles - the entire time we have owned it

96tahoejb

That makes me feel better, thanks for the reply, I can't help but wonder if it is something to do with the temp sending unit.

Rednucleus

I keep meaning to change mine, just never get around to it. Guess I have just gotten used to the variability.

96tahoejb

Yeah, I used to drive a Honda Accord and I was always nervous of it over heating cause the head gasket go so easily. It makes me watch the temp gauge to much sometimes I think.

SWHouston

Temp ranges as described occur in ALL coolant systems in our vehicles.

This occurs most often when we stop suddenly, and the lack of circulation drives the temperature up briefly. Other frequent excursions of temp are experienced in varying speed traffic. This is a normal and unavoidable situation.

Most times, the manufacturer installs attenuation in the circuitry of the temp sensing system. What this does is, not allow the reading of the variation of temperature to move the dash gauge quickly. Therefor not causing the operator cause for concern, as you have experienced.

There could be several reasons why the attenuation capability in your vehicle has increased in sensitivity, but, all in all, the excursions you have described are not dangerous, but normal.

96tahoejb

Thanks, that makes allot of sense.