[RIPws6]

Got this CEL code for the second time. I had it cleared last year and it popped back up last night on the way home from work.
Temp sensor or thermostat?
Operating temp seems normal.
I have enclosed a picture of my engine temp going 74 mph for about an hour.
At work 40 miles from home so it would be nice to know that I won’t get stranded. Loll!
Thanks!

[speedyink1]

That looks a tad low to me. As least using the metric options mine sits at one notch to the left of the middle notch (One notch higher then yours is reading)

[dmcmahan60]

He is in Oklahoma and it is probably cold there. That is what mine looks like and it was below 50 this morning. Plus I just replaced the temp sensor unit 2 weeks ago. It is a $20 part and can be replaced easily. Might be worth a shot?

[Need4Camaro]

Yea temp sensor looks fine IMHO, did you have the code scanned?

[RIPws6]

Yes, it is in the 50s and cooler at night. When I sit at idle, it goes to the 11 o’clock position but once I’m driving the cold air starts going through the grill it cools it down some.
I’m taking it to get the code looked at on Tuesday. The guy I spoke to said thermostat right away, but I’m leaning toward the sensor as you guys are.

[ctrlz]

Originally Posted by RIPws6

When I sit at idle, it goes to the 11 o’clock position but once I’m driving the cold air starts going through the grill it cools it down some.

This absolutely sounds like thermostat.
Stuck partially open, to be specific.

[m6-lt1]

Originally Posted by ctrlz

This absolutely sounds like thermostat.
Stuck partially open, to be specific.

Agreed. Even in 30 degree weather the coolant temperature gauge should still sit in the usual when it's cold out.

[RIPws6]

Thank you for the input! Looks like the mechanic’s guess was right.
I also noticed my top coolant tank is just a little more than half full.
Bottom tank is almost empty.

[Gunkk]

Originally Posted by RIPws6

Thank you for the input! Looks like the mechanic’s guess was right.
I also noticed my top coolant tank is just a little more than half full.
Bottom tank is almost empty.

Yeah that's low on coolant. Top tank should be completely full and bottom tank half full.

[RIPws6]

Originally Posted by Gunkk

Yeah that's low on coolant. Top tank should be completely full and bottom tank half full.

I’m changing out the thermostat tonight so I’ll have plenty of Dex Cool on hand to make it right.
Thanks!

Update: Thermostat changed, fluids topped off.
Temp gauge is right on 11 o clock and holding steady.
Thanks for the advice everyone.