Cold-weather warmup w/ C240
01-14-2003, 09:10 AM
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2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Cold-weather warmup w/ C240
Hey guys/gals, I'm trying to decide whether I've got a problem w/ engine warmup in cold/cool weather. This is the 2nd winter w/ my C240 and I don't remember how it behaved last year. Maybe those with sedans (the C320 probably warms up similarly to the C240, not sure about the C230 setup) can help me out...
During the initial warmup, if I stop at a light, or otherwise idle for a while, the engine temp does not continue to increase toward normal operating temp (around 80 C.), but actually begins declining. If I stop when the engine temp is around 60 C., it moves back almost to 50 C. Even when it's around 70 C it may move back almost to 60 C. With continued driving it does reach 80 C or a little higher.
I think that the cooling fan is coming on at times even before the temp reaches 80 C. because when I'm displaying the temp gauge I can see a brief dimming when the fan kicks on. I'm wondering if this is "normal" behavior or if I've got a partially stuck thermostat or other problem. So, if you can display your temp gauge when you're first starting out and notice what happens when you idle during the initial warmup it would help me out. Thanks!
During the initial warmup, if I stop at a light, or otherwise idle for a while, the engine temp does not continue to increase toward normal operating temp (around 80 C.), but actually begins declining. If I stop when the engine temp is around 60 C., it moves back almost to 50 C. Even when it's around 70 C it may move back almost to 60 C. With continued driving it does reach 80 C or a little higher.
I think that the cooling fan is coming on at times even before the temp reaches 80 C. because when I'm displaying the temp gauge I can see a brief dimming when the fan kicks on. I'm wondering if this is "normal" behavior or if I've got a partially stuck thermostat or other problem. So, if you can display your temp gauge when you're first starting out and notice what happens when you idle during the initial warmup it would help me out. Thanks!
