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If a 1996 Dodge 2500 diesel temp gauge fluctuates wildly but fluid levels are fine and you change the coolant regularly is it the thermostat?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
It might be a good idea to check the coolant temp. sensor to see if it's shorting out or has a bad ground. Once that is verified, check to see if the gauge itself is not having a problem with power/ground. A bad thermostat wouldn't cause the gauge to fluctuate "wildly", it would usually either get stuck closed or stuck open, causing a cool-run or hot run condition. It would also be a good idea to get a Ray-Tek laser thermometer to verify your coolant temp. at the sources.
AnswerA cummins engine has a very large cooling system in it, 195 deg F. Is the optimal water temp. 195 is about the center of the temp gauge and when the thermostat opens, letting the hot antifreeze out and cold antifreeze in from the large radiator. It is usually much cooler than the fluid it replaced causing the thermostat to close again, the temp gauge will read accuratly when it suddenly drops to the low end of the normal range and slowly build back to the center of the gauge. If that is What you call fluctuating wildly don't worry it is normal. However if the temp is building to the hot side or doesn't heat up at all change the thermostat they are about $10. Cummins has one that will eliminate the temp changes, but it takes the truck longer to warm up. It is cummins part# 3928499.Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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