dududuckling Posted March 7, 2016 Share Posted March 7, 2016 Guys, what is the normal engine operating temperature on the 3.5L (2001-2004 Pathfinder)? When pushed hard, i.e going 80 mph uphills, the engine temp needle stays the same whereas the ultra-gauge, plugged in to OBD 2, shows 220F. On norma driving, it varies between 200-210F. On the old pathfinder with 3.3L, it was only between 190 and 210F, maybe 215F on a super hot day and today was cold and chilly. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dududuckling Posted March 7, 2016 Author Share Posted March 7, 2016 The temp needle operates normally, and stays halfway or slightly below halfway under normal driving condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colinnwn Posted March 7, 2016 Share Posted March 7, 2016 (edited) The ScanGauge attached to my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder runs about 177 dF during sustained 75 mph runs during the winter in Dallas, and at most 198 dF during the summer. Never seen it go above that. It has the 3.5, and it is a manual transmission 4x4. Edited March 7, 2016 by colinnwn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dududuckling Posted March 7, 2016 Author Share Posted March 7, 2016 I see. My temp needle stays at 40-50% on normal driving 75-80 mph at 3000-3250 rpm (5-speed). The ultra-gauge reading goes between 195 and 215 F. It jumps from 199 to 203 to 206 to 210 and maybe back to 203, etc. At once instant, when doing 80 mph uphill with lights and stereo/amp/sub turned on, the temperature went up to 230F and that was when the needle went to 60-70%. As soon as I turned them off, the temperature came back down to 205-210F and so was the temp gauge needle. I am thinking a weak alternator or possible replace the fan clutch first (I know it is going bad and I thought I can get a few more months out of it). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hawairish Posted March 7, 2016 Share Posted March 7, 2016 My temps are consistent with yours, almost exactly. Though, my needle never moves, stays just below the 50% mark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dududuckling Posted March 7, 2016 Author Share Posted March 7, 2016 This morning I discovered that the coolant in the coolant reservoir was 3" from overflowing, way past the max limit and the radiator is empty. I think that could be the reason why. I am gonna get that checked out this weekend. I will be buying premix coolant for the meantime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jyeager Posted March 7, 2016 Share Posted March 7, 2016 This morning I discovered that the coolant in the coolant reservoir was 3" from overflowing, way past the max limit and the radiator is empty. I think that could be the reason why. I am gonna get that checked out this weekend. I will be buying premix coolant for the meantime. I think you will find that to be a bad radiator cap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted March 7, 2016 Share Posted March 7, 2016 That or the radiator is farked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dududuckling Posted March 8, 2016 Author Share Posted March 8, 2016 (edited) Replaced the radiator cap and that was it! Took it for a drive on the highway, mountain roads, and the temp was between 185 and 200F. Thanks all! Edited March 8, 2016 by dududuckling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NovaPath Posted March 10, 2016 Share Posted March 10, 2016 (edited) This is exactly why I don't like these stupid buffered gauges. If it weren't for your diligence with an aftermarket temperature monitor, you would have never known there was an actual problem until you were on the side of the road. They might as well get rid of the gauge and just replace it with an idiot light....after all that is how they function. -rant over- Edited March 10, 2016 by NovaPath Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dududuckling Posted March 10, 2016 Author Share Posted March 10, 2016 Yeah, the temperature gauge does not move until you're about 175 F and stays where its at, halfway point, until 220 F. A lot can happen in the meantime. Pass 220 F, it will shoot up to just before max. The $50 ultra-gauge has saved me on two occasions now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NovaPath Posted March 11, 2016 Share Posted March 11, 2016 is this the gauge you are using? https://ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/ultragauge_wired.htm?gclid=CN_Vyt_Et8sCFRY8gQod5icDuQ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dududuckling Posted March 12, 2016 Author Share Posted March 12, 2016 Yeah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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