Automotive Forums  Where Car Enthusiasts Go to Discuss Cars Online

Hey all, Ive had my ranger for a couple years now. Its been in and out of the shop, and just last year it got a replaced clutch and a new transmission (well, one from the yard   ). There has never been anything seriously wrong with it, and its on about 96,000 miles. Im a college student, so I drive from CT to northern VT fairly regularly. As I said before, no real problems. But on this drive up, I noticed my engine temps fluctuating a little bit. It has never gone out of the normal area, but stay in between various levels in there. So although there is no danger yet, I want to fix this before it becomes a big one that I can't afford.

At first I though I just needed some antifreeze. So, I added some, and still got the same results. It heats up just as quickly as it usually does, but it will go up to about the 'a' on 'normal' the the needle will lower back down to the 'o', then hover where it usually does around the 'rm'. I still have heat and the fan blow out cool air when its in the spot (AC isn't charged).

So, is this my thermostat or a more serious problem? What should I do to make sure I dont start to overheat?  

Sounds like your thermostat is sticking.