Hi, I have a Peugeot 206 diesel, 3 door (10 years old) - the temperature gauge rapidly goes from 90 up to the red and the stop light flashes, it then sometimes slowly goes back down to 90, other times sticks high till I turn the car off. And then sometimes when I turn it back on it is at 90 and stays there for the rest of the journey, other times it is high. there is no pattern, it can happen in traffic queues or when i am going at 70 on the motorway, or 30 around town. It happens for a few days in a row and then not for weeks, again no pattern. What could be wrong? Is it ok to ignore it - as I do not think the engine is getting hot due to the rapid change from hot to normal? Thanks alot!

Tammy, August 2010

If the car is 10 years old and still has its original coolant in it then it is overdue for emptying it out, flushing the coolant system thoroughly, then refilling with fresh coolant mix.

While doing that, check the coolant flow through the radiator too, as that could be well gunged up. Give it a good flushing.

I bet you'll notice a real difference.

Chicks Fan, August 2010

you will need to check your thearmostat is working-take it off, and place in a pan of boiling water, if it opens its working, if it stays closed you need to change it, cheapest option is to go to motor factors. if thearmostat is ok then check water pump is working. you do not say if you are losing any coolant, if you are its possible your headgasket might be going. but you must get this problem sorted as it is possible your engine could sieze-up which means you spending loads of money.

hope it helps, August 2010