Temp. gauge registers hot

2005 PONTIAC AZTEK
150,000 MILES
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REDHAOLE
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We went on vacation for a month & parked our car in Seattle.When we returned, we had to jump it but it seemed to run like normal otherwise. We've been driving it for about a week in cold weather until I noticed yesterday that the fuel gauge was registering way past "full" and the temp. gauge registered in the hot range. I pulled over, turned off the car and later checked the fluids (all seemed to be normal). The gas gauge and the temp. gauge are in the same spot on the dash. The gas gauge is now registering normal but the temp. gauge goes up to hot every time I drive it.
Jan 21, 2012 at 5:29 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Do you have any codes in the computer?Have you checked for them ye?Also when you jump started it the jumper cables were never reversed?
Jan 21, 2012 at 5:41 PM
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REDHAOLE
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There are no codes showing up on the dashboard. My husband jumped it and I can't imagine how the cables would be reversed (?) It wouldn't have started if they were, correct?
Jan 21, 2012 at 5:46 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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The jumper cables people mix up all the time and reverse postive and negative then betime they relize what happen the damage is done.You mention the issues happened after a jump start thats why i had to ask.Just because the check engine light isnt on doesnt mean there isnt any codes.A animal could have chewed or damaged the wires they love to wires etc.I would start by have the computer scanned for codes.If you have any codes let me know the exact code numbers not code descriptions.Also while the engine is dead cold the temp gauge reads hot when you turn the key on?
Jan 21, 2012 at 5:57 PM
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REDHAOLE
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no, the temp gauge starts off as normal, but then climbs to hot, up and down, up and down.
Jan 21, 2012 at 6:03 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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It didnt do that before the jump?Also do you have a multimeter to do some testing?
Jan 21, 2012 at 6:36 PM
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REDHAOLE
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no, it didn't do that before the jump. What does a multimeter test for?
Jan 21, 2012 at 6:41 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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We could test the coolant temp sensor and also a infared temp gun would help see if its really heating up that quick.
Jan 21, 2012 at 7:04 PM
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REDHAOLE
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ok thanks
Jan 21, 2012 at 7:47 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome keep me posted.
Jan 21, 2012 at 8:25 PM