Temperature light on?

2007 SATURN ION
90,000 MILES
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DEBBIEAN
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Temperature needle is mid-range, and the coolant light goes on, could it be a sensor? The coolant light goes on often however, when I checked the coolant level all was well. Then after a week or so the red light went on but the gauge showed mid-range, never increasing.

When I stopped to check the coolant it was not bubbling, the hood on the engine was cool (cooler than I felt it should have been for driving 90 miles on the freeway),the coolant was flowing, the fan was working and the gauge was still at mid-range. I am guessing it is a sensor. Is that something an everyday person can replace or do I need to go to a shop? The book that came with the car does not show where the sensor might me. Thank you for your help. Debbie
May 10, 2012 at 5:21 AM
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SATURNTECH9
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So is the low coolant coming on or the temp light?Also if the coolant temp sensor was bad then you would see the temp gauge in the red when the temp light was on.There is only one temp sensor that sends the coolant temp to computer then the gauge.It screws into the head i would also have the computer scanned for codes if you have any codes please post the exact code numbers not code descriptions.

This guide can help us fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot

Please run down this guide and report back.
May 10, 2012 at 6:45 AM
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DEBBIEAN
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Thank you for your quick reply. The 'coolant' light comes on but only says 'coolant'. There are no other words that come on with it. There is also no 'temp light' words. Only the red light on the gauge. There are no code numbers either. I will take it in and have it scanned. Thank you again for your help. Debbie
May 10, 2012 at 12:56 PM
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SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome keep me posted.
May 11, 2012 at 4:09 AM
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MARICT1120
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The temperature gauge in my car is all the way down at zero and also my check engine light is on as well. Does anyone know what could be the problem? Thanks in advance!
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:05 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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So the temp gauge never move's even when it warms up?Also how does the car run?You need to go to a auto part's store like auto zone and have the code's read.Let me know what number's you have you most likely have a problem with your coolant temp sensor or the wiring to it.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:05 PM (Merged)
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GARY55
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I have an intermittent problem with my wife's ION's temperature gauge and the air conditioning. Sometimes she will start her car and the temp gauge will not work, the needle will stay at the bottom of the gauge and the check engine comes on. When this happens the A/C will not blow cold. She says that sometimes if she hits a bump in the road the gauge will come back on, the engine light will go out and the A/C will then work normally. Where would I start to try and troubleshoot this problem?
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:05 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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First of all thank you so much for your donation.Let's start with going to a auto parts like autozone and get your codes read this might give us a direction to start in.I think the problem will probably be a loose connection in the underhood fuse box though.Let me know what you find.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:05 PM (Merged)
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AARONJLOPEZ12
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I have recently changed my thermostat and sensor because my temperature would stay on cold. I changed it one week ago and the temperature gauge was working, today the temperature gauge did not move and is not working again.
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:05 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

Since it was working after the repair, I suspect it is a wiring issue. Recheck the connector at the sensor to make sure it is fully on. If it is, remove it and inspect inside the connector for corrosion and clean if necessary. Also, I recommend using dielectric grease on these types of connections to prevent corrosion and to ensure a good contact.

If that doesn't fix the issue, inspect the wiring around the sensor to see if it is damaged. You may want to have a helper watch the gauge while you move the wiring to the sensor to see if it starts working. Just remember to stay clear of moving components if the engine is running.

Let me know what you find

Joe
Jul 27, 2020 at 12:05 PM (Merged)