Temp Gauge & Radiator Questions

[elrodvoss]

Evening....I was wonder if I coudl get some advice. I have a 2003 Vibe GT and never had any issues with it. Over the course of the last 2 weeks I have noticed that my temp gauge is only going up 1/5th the way, where it use to go up to dead middle.I still get heat in the car, though you can tell its not as hot. I have checked the fluid levels and they are within the correct range. I first though it was cause of the zub-zero temps we have been getting in the chicagoland area, but I even had the car running in my garage (which stays around 50F with the heater on). The temp never reached the 1/4 point.When I touch the top hose on the radiator, it is warm but not hot to the point where you couldnt grab it. I opened the radiator cap, hopeing I was be able to see current of the water moving from the water pump. No luck.The car does have 65K miles on it and I havent done a flush on it. I do have a extended warrenty through Carmax, so I can get it repaired but it would kill my whole day, if I was able to make a appointment and have them work on it as soon as I get there.Should I try and flush out the system ($40) or should I take it to carmax and have them replace the thermostat?As I said before, the car does run, but its the noticed change in temp that has me conserned. Suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

[Raven]

It sounds like the thermostat. I'm not sure if the Vibe has a fail open thermostat but it seems it may be stuck open in any case. If things were blocked up and needed flushing, the engine would most likely be overheating.

[djb383]

At 5 years old, it would be a good idea to replace the t-stat and drain, flush and refill with new coolant. Install a new radiator cap also. If you do it yourself or have it done, check to make sure the system is full by checking it each day, for several days, WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD. Remove the radiator cap when cold and check/add coolant. I'm not sure about the 2ZZ GT engine but I know for a fact the 1ZZ engine can be tricky to 'burp' all the air out of the cooling system. I've done 2 '05s in order to get rid of the DexCool.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 » I've done 2 '05s in order to get rid of the DexCool.I thought the factory put Toyota antifreeze in them, not Dexcool

[zionzr2]

I think the 05+ switched to the Dex. The 03-04 used the Toyota stuffQuote, originally posted by joatmon »I thought the factory put Toyota antifreeze in them, not Dexcool

[2002sportside]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »I think the 05+ switched to the Dex. The 03-04 used the Toyota stuffToyota coolant in my '05...

[djb383]

............then your lucky because the crap that was in our 2 '05 Vibe's was the red DexCool, not the pink stuff that's in our '07 Toyota Tundra.