Hello: Veh: 1995 Ford Aerostar XLT RWD I have question regarding the cooling system of my vehicle: 1. Vehicle is approximately slightly above the 1/2 temp. mark. 2. Upon taking off it is only a quarter way (cooler); 3. The temperature varies and does not necessarily stay consistent; 4. Funny as it sounds if I step on the gas upon take off from a red light the temperature makes a significant drop to the 1/4 mark. 5. Any ideas of what the problem is?

Chuck,

 

Hopefully, someone more experienced with Aerostars will be able to offer some more specific answers to your question, but here’s some ideas from a general (non-Aerostar specific) perspective:

 

If you rev up the engine while in neutral, do the gauge act the same way?

 

Do the other gauges read normally?

 

When was the last time the cooling system was flushed and a new thermostat installed?

 

Any recent work on electrical components (new battery, alt, stereo, etc)?

 

 

From your description, I would suspect an electrical problem. If all the other gauges are working normally, I would first check the connection at the temp sending unit and inspect as much of that wiring as possible. Also, check for any loose or corroded ground connections. If you have a digital voltmeter, connect it across the battery terminals and measure the battery voltage with the engine off. It should read around 12.6 volts. Take another measurement with the engine running at 1500 rpm or so. The voltage should be around 13.8 -14.4.

 

If none of those checks turn up anything unusual and the problem remains, I would try replacing the temp gauge sensor.

 

 

If the Aerostar is OBDII compliant (some 95 vehicles are, some aren’t), you could also use

It is suspected that it might be an electrical problem. Coolant was recently flushed and cleaned via electical pump. I do think it may be a problem with my thermostat and I do have the chilton so it is not too hard to replace. Despite the body and contour of this vehicle it is very sturdy. Personally I rather have a 1997 AWD XLT with the passenger bucket (captain) chairs.

Turns out it was just the thermostat runs like a dream now; next I will try to order some Kumeho (I think I spelled it right - LOL!) tires. I was curious to know are front air dams to keep the air out from under the front wheels and cow hoods available for my 95 Ford Aerostar? If so then where?