# 1998 Ford ZX2 - temp gauge question **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** zx2, ford\ **Created:** [July 6, 2019, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-zx2-temp-gauge-question/143777 "2019-07-06T17:51:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![RJ31](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a6a055/32.png) [@RJ31](https://community.cartalk.com/u/RJ31)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2019, 5:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-zx2-temp-gauge-question/143777/1 "2019-07-06T17:51:33Z")
98 Ford Escort Zx2, 135K Symptom: All was well for years, suddenly at highway speed 1 day ago, temp gauge needle rose from middle to just before Red on stock temp gauge @ 55mph, outside temp 91 degrees (gauge needle normally right in middle - on hot days, rose sometimes at stop lights to about 75% of gauge, fan kicks on, goes back to middle). Terrified, but managed to get car home before overheating Solutions attempted: - changed thermostat from I believe 195 degree to 180 degree - refilled with 50/50 mix, rinsed reservoir tank, topped off reservoir tank when ‘hot’ to hot level - flushed system & believe burped all air pockets (no more bubbling at radiator filler) - Connected OBDII and monitored temp at idle until 190 degrees - Fan kicks on at around 190-195 - Upper temp sensor replaced approx. 2yrs ago, radiator replaced 2-3 yrs ago, water pump 3-4 yrs ago - no known water leaks, oil not foamy / milky Problem: Gauge appears operational & at temp reads at around 65% (past half way) on gauge & temp never seems go down Only vehicle & don’t know if I can trust car… What else have I missed? ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2019, 8:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-zx2-temp-gauge-question/143777/2 "2019-07-06T20:01:10Z")
hat 180 degree T-stat might throw an error code because the car isn’t getting up to temp. It happens. Based on the rapid onset of the problem, I’d guess you’ve got a head gasket starting to go. Watch the water level, if it drops without a puddle… could be a head gasket. If the overflow bottle starts to show oil residue or shows bubbles when the engine is hot… could be a head gasket. Might try renting a cooling system pressure tester at your local auto parts store to see if the cooling system holds pressure. No pressure hold… could be a head gasket! Buy a cheap IR temp gauge as well so you aren’t relying on a 21 year old, dash mounted, no numbers, coolant temp gauge.