2004 Chevrolet Impala Logo
Posted on Feb 18, 2013
Answered by a Fixya Expert

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Temp gauge fluctuates and heater doesn't work

The temperature gauge used to be steady at about the 3/8 position. Now it goes back and forth between lower than that up to almost the red. Moves quickly. At a stop light the other day it went as high as I've ever seen it, but then went down when I started moving. The heater only rarely blows hot air no matter how I set it. It started doing all this suddenly, and it doesn't seem to be getting much worse. coolant level normal.

2 Answers

Anonymous

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  • Chevrolet Expert 284 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 19, 2013
Anonymous
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This has got blown head gasket written all over it. How many miles are on the vehicle. Whens the last time the thermostat was changed?

James Eskridge

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  • Expert 138 Answers
  • Posted on Oct 22, 2014
James Eskridge
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More than likely you have a faulty water pump or sticking thermostat

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/james_9c1b039055413ffa

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4 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 1990 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 26, 2009

SOURCE: heater does not blow hot air until I get up to about 50 mph!

You need to Replace your Thermostat. Getting hot was sending Coolant into the Overflow Tank and it was Evaporating. Seen it before. That Thermostat should take care of this Problem. Please Rate my Resonse! I need all the help I can get! Thanks!

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Anonymous

  • 2050 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 20, 2011

SOURCE: My 1999 Chevy Malibu runs hot? It started when it

Air pockets will make the guage do that, and also cause your heat to come and go. Also, a poor radiator, as in rotting, or plugged up, will cause high temperature issues.

Anonymous

  • 95 Answers
  • Posted on Sep 20, 2011

SOURCE: My 1999 Chevy Malibu runs

Mailbus have always had a problem with the ac/heat control panel going bad. I think thats your problem. Replace the control panel as they normally go bad on Malibus. Get another one from a
junkyard if you have one in your area. New ones cost at least $100-$120 new.

And replace your coolant temp sensor.

deanhornberg

Dean Hornberger

  • 11 Answers
  • Posted on Aug 29, 2012

SOURCE: Temperature gauge fluctuates and the heater blows cold air

Definitely check your fluid level in your radiator. Top it off all the way. I've seen that happen multiple times on cars that were low on anti-freeze. If that doesn't work try replacing your thermostat. It's cheap and the easiest place to start if topping off the fluid doesn't get you fixed up.

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This probably has nothing to do with the gauge fluctuations. The gauge problem is probably one of three possibilities:

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If all voltages checked ok,then most probably its faulty instrument cluster board on which gauges are connected.Yes if cluster circuit board looks ok,then also it can be faulty.Somewhere there is minute short or burn on board then such prolem arises.
Also check the fuse box.One under hood and other under dash.Inspect each and every fuse and see if all are fine or not.
---------------For more troubleshooting on these cluster gauges i suggest you to refer the list of help links mentioned below.Its step by step instructions will help you to confirm the exact cause of problem in these conditions:---------
Click the link below:------

2004 Toyota Tundra: Oil Gauge and Temp Gauge Not Working?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2004-toyota-tundra-oil-gauge-and-temp.html

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2005 Lexus SC430: Fuel Door, Dome light and Fuel Gauge Fuse Location?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2005-lexus-sc430-fuel-door-will-not.html
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http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/heater-blows-intermittently-and-temp.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-does-not-move-and-no.html

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2003 Pontiac Grand Prix: Erratic Fuel Gauge?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2003-pontiac-grand-prix-erratic-fuel.html


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http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/gas-gauge-stuck-on-empty-on-2002.html
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Oldsmobile Temperature Gauge Lamp Switch?

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/fuel-gauge-drops-to-empty.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-gauges-not-working.html

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/temperature-gauge-went-up.html

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-remove-instrument-panel-on.html

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These details will help.Thanks.
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No guages working

If all voltages checked ok, then most probably its faulty instrument cluster board on which gauges are connected. Yes if cluster circuit board looks ok, then also it can be faulty. Somewhere there is minute short or burn on board then such problem arises.


Also check the fuse box. One under hood and other under dash.

Inspect each and every fuse and see if all are fine or not.


---------------

For more troubleshooting on these cluster gauges I suggest you to refer the list of help links mentioned below. Its step by step instructions will help you to confirm the exact cause of problem in these conditions: ---------


Click the link below: ------


2004 Toyota Tundra: Oil Gauge and Temp Gauge Not Working?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2004-toyota-tundra-oil-gauge-and-temp.html

--------------

2005 Lexus SC430: Fuel Door, Dome light and Fuel Gauge Fuse Location?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2005-lexus-sc430-fuel-door-will-not.html

----------

Toyota 4Runner: Temperature Gauge Sensor

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/toyota-4runner-temperature-gauge-sensor.html

------------

Temperature gauge sits over half way mark?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/temperature-gauge-sits-over-half-way.html

---------------

Heater blows intermittently and temp gauge goes erratic?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/heater-blows-intermittently-and-temp.html

----------

Temperature gauge does not move and no heat when heater is ON?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-does-not-move-and-no.html

-----------

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix: Erratic Fuel Gauge?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2003-pontiac-grand-prix-erratic-fuel.html

-----------

Temperature gauge keeps fluctuating up and down close to red?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-keeps-fluctuating-up.html

-------------

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http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-on-dash-quit-working.html

---------------

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http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/fuel-gauge-jumps-from-empty-to-full.html

--------------

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http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/gas-gauge-stuck-on-empty-on-2002.html

---------------

Oldsmobile Temperature Gauge Lamp Switch?

-----------------

Fuel gauge drops to Empty?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/fuel-gauge-drops-to-empty.html

----------------

Dodge neon gauges not working?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-gauges-not-working.html

------------

Temperature gauge went up?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/temperature-gauge-went-up.html

------------

Temperature gauge stays At cold on jaguar?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/temperature-gauge-stays-at-cold-on.html

-----------

How to replace Instrument panel and dashboard on Toyota car?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-instrument-panel-and.html

-----------

How to remove instrument panel on Chevrolet car?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-remove-instrument-panel-on.html

-----------

How to remove control panel on Buick regal?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-remove-control-panel-on-buick.html

---------------


These details will help.

Thanks.

0helpful
2answers

Heat gauge goes way up,then by reeving motor it will go down.blows cold air

Check out related help links with solutions to troubleshoot the problem:---
Click the link below:---
2004 Toyota Tundra: Oil Gauge and Temp Gauge Not Working?


http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2004-toyota-tundra-oil-gauge-and-temp.html

---------
Toyota 4Runner: Temperature Gauge Sensor http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/04/toyota-4runner-temperature-gauge-sensor.html

-----------
Temperature gauge sits over half way mark? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/04/temperature-gauge-sits-over-half-way.html
----------
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http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/heater-blows-intermittently-and-temp.html
------------- No heat on Oldsmobile Silhouette? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/no-heat-on-oldsmobile-silhouette.html
-------------
Temperature gauge does not move and no heat when heater is ON? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-does-not-move-and-no.html
----------
Temperature gauge keeps fluctuating up and down close to red? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-keeps-fluctuating-up.html
----------- Temperature gauge on the dash quit working on Pontiac Grand Prix? http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/temperature-gauge-on-dash-quit-working.html
-----------
Dodge neon gauges not working? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/dodge-neon-gauges-not-working.html

---------
Heater blows cold? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/heater-blows-cold.html

----------
Heat blows cold on drivers side and hot on passenger side? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/heat-blows-cold-on-drivers-side-and-hot.html

-----------
1992 Lexus LS400: Engine overheats, Antifreeze out of reservoir and heater Blows Cold Air? http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/1992-lexus-ls400-engine-overheats.html

-----------
These details will help.
Thanks.

0helpful
1answer

2001 honda crv temperature gauge fluctuates

check and make sure your water level is all the way up some times it takes a day or two to work all the air out. if its full than ur water pump may be going bad or the electric temp control for the heater may be bad
1helpful
2answers

Temperature gauge fluctuates and the heater blows cold air

Definitely check your fluid level in your radiator. Top it off all the way. I've seen that happen multiple times on cars that were low on anti-freeze. If that doesn't work try replacing your thermostat. It's cheap and the easiest place to start if topping off the fluid doesn't get you fixed up.
1helpful
1answer

Fluctuating engine temp a/c sends out cold air intermittently

Here's the thing. The ECU will shut down AC if the engine temperature is too hot. If the coolant temperature sensor is malfunctioning (lying to the ECU) telling it that the temperature is hotter than it actually is, the computer will turn the AC OFF.
0helpful
2answers

I have a 2000 Daewoo Leganza. When I first bought it, there was no heat in car, temperature guage was blowing sky high and shutting down engine. It was discovered that there was engine problems, so that...

You have air in the cooling system, it needs bleeding, this is best done from the heater hoses. you cannot have a heating or cooling sysem that is not pressurised. no water no heater no demister no temp guage
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