Battery related to temp gauge?
After leaving the lights of my Ford Escape on all night, I had to jump start my battery. It worked just fine but as I continue to drive it throughout the day, I notice my temperature gauge reads cold when I start the car, and settles down but remains toward cold for the rest of the trip. Also, when I first begin driving, the car jerks a bit, similar to when it would need an oil change. The oil was just changed so I doubt that's the problem. Is the temperature gauge and jerking related to my jumped battery? Or is this just a coincidence?
When new, the PCM works on factory programming. As the car ages, the computer learns new settings to accommodate wear. Computer stores those alterations in "keep alive" memory. When battery goes dead, all those settings disappear. Computer has to relearn everything. So you're running off factory programming right now. It's gonna take about 10 cold starts to relearn and run good again.
As for the temp gauge, jump starting may have zapped the instrument cluster. Jump starting a car with jumper cables is a great way to create surge damage in computers. Pros use jumper packs to avoid those voltage spikes.
I recommend taking your Ford Escape to the nearest Ford Dealer to be diagnosed. Our certified technicians will be able to advise you of the next steps to reach a resolution.
Locate a dealer near you and set up an appointment with the link below:
http://owner.ford.com/...ateADealer
Enjoy the rest of your day!
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