While running at 3/4 on the temp gauge may be typical, it doesn't sound normal. Unless the gauges are different between years I'd be somewhat concerned if my temp gauge got anywhere near the 3/4 mark. Plus if you are getting air out every time you pull the radiator cap then either you are getting air from somewhere else (head gasket?) or you have not gotten all the air out yet. If I misunderstood and you are not getting air out of the radiator, it could be something like the gauge itself or the sending unit, or maybe it really is running hot but for some other reason. Or as others have said, the 3/4 mark may be normal for older years - mine is an '09. I know, not very helpful, but I wanted to point out that 3/4 is not normal for everyone.

 

It was 75f yesterday and going west on I-40 from Nashville over the mountain at 70-75mph the 2006 H3 reached half on the temp gauge....... Last summer when in 90s it runs around 1/2 - 3/4.

 

Okay, i went and ripped it apart again and tested the thermostat only to find out its good. Opens at 192 as manufacuterer specs.


Not to say I dont trust the information on this forum, because I found MULTIPLE threads on the subject, for peace of mind I took it to a friends garage and had it put on the scanner.

With the temp gauge damn near on the 3/4 mark the scanner reported a 212 coolant temp. it jumped to 215 during idle, but nowhere near panic temps.

It's nerve racking, but normal.

 

tested temp with scan gage 2, and then actron cp 9180. highest reading sitting at idle at trip end, 194.

outside temp, 42 deg f.
startup,connect scangage 2, temp coolant, 57 deg. temp gage = low bottom.
idle for one minute, temp 76 deg
drive 1/4 mile, temp 130

at 0ne mile, temp 165.

at 2 miles temp 180. driving slow on country rd.

at appx 7 minutes,stopped , 184---188

drive back home, temp 182--188. at 5 miles driven.
connect actron cp 9180 reader, temp 194 at idle.

one more minute temp 188.

the 130 reading was at 1/4 on dash gage. the 188 readindg was under 1/2.

my constant reading is under 1/2. if you divide the mid to bottom into 10 divisions i see mine at 2 divisions under mid point, never higher.
this is same as another h3,exactly.

 

Hers, from memory, used to hang around the half mark, and has for the 3 years shes owned it, thats why I went into "this ****s gonna melt down mode" when the gauge kept climbing.

It's been in the mid to high 70's here.

 

is it staying there while driving, or only at rest

 

During Idle it makes its way to the 3/4 mark, but when driving it drops between half and 3/4 marks.

 

if you can't get anymore air out, I'd say you got a faulty thermostat.

 

It may not be typical for everyone, but it is perfectly fine. That's where ours is at. And if you read other threads here you will see that it is common to be in that range. Glad you had it tested to ease your mind about the temp.

 

I know people say its fine, but I'm with you, that is too hot when it's 70 degrees. mine has always stayed at half even when it's 120 degrees and I've got the ac on full blast. Even this past summer it stayed at the half mark with a cracked radiator that I drove on for two months.

Are you 100% sure they gave you the correct thermostat?