car is running cold

[NotDave]

ever since the weather has become colder ive noticed that it takes longer for the car to warm up, normal stuff.

after driving about 45 mins i noticed that mt temp gauge is lower than it should be. normally its a few ticks under the halfway mark but it was very close to the bottom (C) when i was driving. i pulled over off the freeway and let it idle while i popped the hood and checked it out. then i noticed it went back up to normal again.

i checked the fluids and its full. i bleed for air bubbles too. it still runs colder than normal and i find that the heater isn't as hot as it was before.

any ideas?

[3Q Jay]

thermostat failed open?

[DAEDALUS]

Probably. Make sure the fan clutch isn't locked up too.

[NotDave]

well i think the thermostat still works b/c i unplugged it and i can see the gauge drop down to the bottom and when i plug it back in it rises again but it was still in the cold position.

the fan works, i see it start and stop

[s13sr20chris]

that was the thermal transmitter. the thermostat is a mechanical device inside your cooling system. it is easy to replace and only costs like $35 from a dealer.

[Toahk]

its like 15 bucks from nissan.