Temperature gauge issue?'

[J8nno]

Hi guys, my temp gauge is only just about reaching 1/4 around town and on the motorway is right next to the cold blue light. I have heat through the vents. Is it likely the thermostat sticking?
Thanks

[Davemate]

Sound like it, that's what mine was doing
Fitted the "in line" Renault 5 stat as have many others, problem cured.
Gauge sits at "9 o'clock" and now the heater blows out a lot hotter instead of just a tad warmer than luke warm
Only takes 15 mins

[T-Cut]

Originally Posted by J8nno

Is it likely the thermostat sticking?

Unlikely to be sticking, but opening too early. The 'second generation' diesel thermostat is known to deteriorate so the opening temperature gets lower and lower. This means the engine cannot reach anywhere near the standard range (around 90C). The simplest fix is to install the in-line stat as noted. The other solution is to replace the original stat with a 'third generation' type (refer DMGRS shop). These are said to be more reliable, at least in the short term. However, this is a much bigger job.

TC

[J8nno]

If I go down the inline route from the Renault, what do I do with get original one? Thanks

[T-Cut]

Nothing. The old stat is simply left to do what it does. It opens early, so the running temperature gets controlled by the in-line one. Natty eh?

TC