Bit of a long shot but someone might know.


Got a 2005 MK2 Focus 1.6 with Ti-VCT engine. All runs fine but noticed that it's started to run cold. Temp gauge normally goes to just under mid scale and sits there rock solid, but now it goes to 1/4 scale (about75 deg) and only gets up to normal when sitting in traffic.

Now i know you will all say the thermostat is faulty and just change it. My thought until I find it has a heated unit and costs £200 and I will need to change the aux drive belts too! again £££..

Few people have had the same issues and changed the thermostat and no difference. If anyone knows of any other causes feel free to suggest away. Only thing I can think it is would be the coolant sensor, £22 so not too bad but dont want to change it for the sake of it.

borrow an infra red temperature gun and check the actual temperature

Check the coolant pipes to see if they feel cool if they do it's the thermostat I'm afraid and yes they are expensive and yes you do need to remove the alternator to change it but you don't need to change the drive belt remove headlamp and undo the alternator and remove and leave the belt intact then remove the thermostat housing eurocarparts parts sell them a bit cheaper...

Check the coolant pipes to see if they feel cool if they do it's the thermostat I'm afraid and yes they are expensive and yes you do need to remove the alternator to change it but you don't need to change the drive belt remove headlamp and undo the alternator and remove and leave the belt intact then remove the thermostat housing eurocarparts parts sell them a bit cheaper...

Ta mate much appreciated.