Engine Running Cool

The engine in my 1996 Windstar 3.8 is running cool. I drive 30 miles to work one way, and by the time I get there the temp gage barely moves. I know the engine is runnning cool because it runs rougher when this happens. If I drive through slower traffic for awhile it will reach more towards normal operating range. I have already replaced the thermostat thinking it was stuck open but no luck... any ideas???

are the electric cooling fans stuck on? :2cents:

are the electric cooling fans stuck on? :2cents:

Even if the fans were on all of the time, the coolant shouldn't be going through the rad. to be cooled because of the theromstat keeps the coolant in the engine until it gets to the 197 degs.

Regads

Dan

Can you get hot air through the HVAC? Perhaps the engine is warm but the temp sender or gauge is giving a bad reading. I am not sure if the same sender is used for the PCM and the gauge but if the PCM "thinks" it is cold it will adjust the air/fuel ratio to compensate which will affect performance. If it is the same sender as the gauge then of course the reading will be in error as well.

i do get hot air out of the HVAC. Your suggestion of the sender to the PCM makes sense. I will look in to it. Thanks alot.