Escort - crazy temperature gauge

[mudskipper]

again my lil Mk5

for some reason the temperature gauge isn't reading right. from cold it warms up fine, but the gauge will only just touch above the white block for cold (only twice have i seen it in the 'normal' band)
If i leave it running or stuck in traffic an the engine fan kicks in, the gauge drops right back off the scale as if it's stone cold, but will then creep back up as the engine cools.

have already replaced the thermostat (spelling??) an this hasn't solved it.

trying to sort out all the little problems before the winter gets here

[Zad]

Sounds like the classic symptoms of a faulty temperature sender
Cheap from your local Ford parts place (or wherever).

[mudskipper]

that sounds easy enough.

any ideas how easy they are to replace?

[DennisTheMenace]

Should be easy , i think its mounted by the thermostat.

[Focus2.0Zetec]

Had same prob on Fiesta, as others have stated it's the temp switch, simply remove sensor wire, unscrew old switch (On thermoswitch), clean area, screw in new sensor with new copper seal, re-connect sensor and bobs your sisters uncle.

Chris

[Matthew C]

Mine did that, a new temp snder sorted it. IIRC it was about £13.