Random coolant temp spike

[namrebo]

Yesterday I was sitting at a red light (which was godly long, maybe around5 mins) AC on was in drive. Got the beep, and looked down at cluster at it was at 249. As soon as I moved it went down, and I can see the gauge the actual analog one kinda jumping around. Tested it again then on a backroad stopping waiting 5 mins both AC on and off…nothing…
Driving it later in the gauge did seem to kinda bounce around again but never got that hot
any ideas?
Most recent thing I did was remove grill to install a new winch and remove old. Same winch so not like the profile is blocking the airflow.

Thanks

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[namrebo]

For reference fan was running in “jet engine mode” and temp was not dropping. Was it actually overheating or could sensor be messed up?

 

[eugeeezy]

Have you checked the coolant expansion tank to see if there’s any coolant in there?

 

[namrebo]

I didn’t check much as I don’t drive the vehicle every day. When I get home today from work, I’m going to do some digging.. after reading a bit online it seems like the plastic seem on that expansion tank is prone to failure

 

[namrebo]

Cold engine, off since last night. Resivoir has no coolant in it. Can see it in the pipe at the bottom but none in actual tank

 

[ScotM]

When was the last time you checked it? Definitely fill and monitor daily. Look for leaks at water pump, and at the T near the engine cover - assuming it is a 2.0. - of course check the black reservoir for leaks

 

[namrebo]

To be honest. Never. I never had problems with any of my new vehicles. At least for a long long while. I’m going to fill it up and see if I can ID a leak. Nothing obvious right now that I can see.
Yes 2.0 sorry if I didn’t mention that.
Any recommendations for coolant?, There’s obviously some in the system already and it will be mixed.

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