Problem with wife's Commander - Thermostat

[Fatboris]

Okay, seems like a thermostat on its way out. I've never had one that didn't just flat out dail so I want some opinions.

Wife started vehicle, vents blowing cold air. Temp gauge went up to 3/4. Gauge finally went down to just under half and then vents started blowing hot air, while driving temp gauge will go up with no hot air, then gauge wil go below half and blow hot air. I was going to change thermostat. I checked water pump and there is no play in the pulley and there are no coolant leaks anywhere.

Thoughts?

[Rick]

probably the therm. also check your radiator cap/ my dodge happened to be both a week apart/ replaced both now no problems

[Fatboris]

Funny, I once had a boss tell me "Dammit boy, you'll tear an engine apart before you even check if there's gas in it." so, no, not stupid at all.

[Rick]

[ColoJeeper]

Also look for soft spots in the radiator and heater hoses...

[Fatboris]

...and the winner is: Chris!!! With his entry "Check the fluid level first, ya idiot." Unfortunately the folks at Wheel of Fortune bought the last crappy porcelain cat statue so I have no prize to award.

[Rick]

Scrat previously posted:

[Jackie]

Fatboris previously posted:

[Popsgarage]

You just got lucky Chris!!!!!!!

[Robert B]

mattzj98 previously posted:

[Robert B]

haha im laughing up here in the springs