Keep it real

So for the last 2-3 weeks I've turned the car on and let it warm up and defrost the windshield. I'll let it sit for about 5-10 minutes and when I come back its as if I left the ac on. So the first time that's what I thought I did, but the next time I made sure. Once again I let the car warm up for 5-10 minutes with the heat all the way on and i came back out and again it was freezing. Once I start driving it, roughly a mile, the thermostat gauge goes all the way from c to h almost reaching the edge of the meter and then slowly comes back down to midway. Once it spikes up to overheating though the heat comes on just like you flip a switch. It's nothing that I really see as a problem, yet, but I cant wait 20 minutes for the car to warm up, given it's not even winter yet. Would just like to know what I can do to fix it or do. Any suggestions appreciated as always.

jimkaray

Sounds like either you're coolant level is very low or the thermostat is sticking shut and doesn't want to open.

tx_zstang

+1; check the coolant level first. If it is low, check around the thermostat housing for leakage. If the coolant level of proper, you should change the t-stat. (I have a new Stat t-stat that I'll sell for cheap, that I never used on my 4.0)

Nuke

Defrosting the windshield? In Arkansas in September? Are you trying to defog the window and if so, where is all that moisture coming from?

Keep it real

Guess I'm just used to calling it the defroster. I have to park outside and we live a mile up the road from a lake so just about every morning all the windows are fogged up. And yes I'm trying to defog it so I can see. Could just use the windshield wipers but then it leaves those dirty water spots on the sides of the glass...