# Temp Gauge coming down while driving (Camry 2007 2.4L) (Thermostat replaced)

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/temp-gauge-coming-down-while-driving-camry-2007-2-4l-thermostat-replaced/182769>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** gauges, toyota, camry, thermostats\
**Created:** [March 2, 2022, 9:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/temp-gauge-coming-down-while-driving-camry-2007-2-4l-thermostat-replaced/182769 "2022-03-02T09:00:36Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![illnill2p\_179795](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a587f6/32.png) [@illnill2p\_179795](https://community.cartalk.com/u/illnill2p_179795)\
**Post date:** [March 2, 2022, 9:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/temp-gauge-coming-down-while-driving-camry-2007-2-4l-thermostat-replaced/182769/1 "2022-03-02T09:00:36Z")

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Hello there,  
I hope you all are doing well.

I’ve just bought a used Toyota Camry 2007 (V4\_2.4L) and I noticed that while I am driving the temp gauge starts going down, giving an indication of the engine not being fixed in the correct operating temperature and once I stop, the temp gauge starts going up and reaches the correct operating temperature (a bit lower than the middle).

I assumed that it would be due to a faulty thermostat that stays open and does not let the engine to stay warm while driving, then I replaced the thermostat but it didn’t help and the problem still persists.

I am writing to ask if any of you have encountered the same problem and may provide me with probable fixes for it.

Thanks

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**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:** [March 2, 2022, 9:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/temp-gauge-coming-down-while-driving-camry-2007-2-4l-thermostat-replaced/182769/2 "2022-03-02T09:56:06Z")

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Your diagnosis seems correct. Cooling while driving indicates a stuck open thermostat.

I’d suggest either you installed the t-stat backwards or you got a bad one right out of the box. Both happen.

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**Author:** ![circuitsmith](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/circuitsmith/32/40376_2.png) [@circuitsmith](https://community.cartalk.com/u/circuitsmith)\
**Post date:** [March 2, 2022, 3:29pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/temp-gauge-coming-down-while-driving-camry-2007-2-4l-thermostat-replaced/182769/3 "2022-03-02T15:29:03Z")

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I would also look at the coolant temp sensor data with a scanner before changing any more parts.  
It’s possible the actual temp is not falling and it’s an issue with the gauge.

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**Author:** ![Tester](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/tester/32/15976_2.png) [@Tester](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Tester)\
**Post date:** [March 2, 2022, 3:32pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/temp-gauge-coming-down-while-driving-camry-2007-2-4l-thermostat-replaced/182769/4 "2022-03-02T15:32:15Z")

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Make sure the radiator cooling fan(s) aren’t operating while the car is being driven down the road.

Tester