Stratus Temperature Gauge Issues & Slow Engine Warmup

I had a very similar issue with my 2003 Stratus RT. With some experience working on cars, I first thought it was a restricted airflow problem like you mentioned. After checking the radiator grille and finding it clear, I took it to my regular workshop. Turns out the temperature sensor fuse was defective, causing incorrect readings and affecting the entire automotive cooling system management. They replaced the fuse and recalibrated the sensor for 52€, which solved both the temp gauge issues and the check engine light. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Does the temp gauge fluctuate or show steady incorrect readings? Have you noticed any actual overheating or just slow warmup? What engine size do you have? Any recent cooling system maintenance done? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if its something else in the thermal management system that needs attention. Its worth checking basic things like the radiator grille for blockages first, but given the check engine light, having a proper diagnostic done might save time and prevent potential engine damage.

Last service was done at 161822 KM. The temp gauge shows steady but incorrect readings, staying unusually low. No signs of car overheating, just extremely slow warmup times. My engine is the 2.4L. No cooling system work in the last year. After reading about similar issues, you might be right about the sensor. The odd temperature behavior combined with the check engine light matches what others described with faulty temp sensors. Good to know the fix was relatively straightforward and affordable in your case. Will get the diagnostic done to confirm before replacing parts.

Thanks for those details, they match my 2.4L Stratus experience almost exactly. The steady but low temp readings plus slow warmup are classic symptoms of what I dealt with. The car was taking nearly 20 minutes to reach normal operating temperature, and the gauge would sit below where it should. Since you mentioned no signs of engine overheating, this reinforces my suspicion that its the same sensor issue rather than a cooling system problem. The diagnostic should focus on the ECT (Engine Coolant Temperature) sensor and its circuit. In my case, the faulty fuse was causing the sensor to report incorrect values, but the cooling system itself was working properly. The radiator grille and rest of the thermal management components were all functioning normally. One warning from my experience, dont rely on the temp gauge readings until this is fixed. Even though actual car overheating isnt occurring, inaccurate temperature data can cause the engine management system to run inefficiently. The repair costs should be similar to what I paid if its the same issue. Much better than having to replace major cooling system components.

Your car facts match my issues perfectly, especially with the same 2.4L engine. I appreciate the detailed explanation about the ECT sensor and fuse problem. Going to book a diagnostic this week and mention the temperature sensor circuit specifically. The symptoms really line up, incorrect low readings, slow warmup, and that check engine light, just like your case. Makes sense that the engine cooling system itself might be fine if its just sending wrong signals. Good tip about not trusting the gauge readings for now. Ill avoid any heavy driving until the diagnostic confirms whats wrong with the thermal management system. Really hoping its just the sensor issue like yours, since that 52€ fix sounds much better than major cooling system repairs. Thanks for helping narrow this down. Having someone describe an almost identical situation with their Stratus makes me feel better about the likely fix.