So my 2014 Maxima SV with 145k is showing a reading of High H hot on the dash instrument temp needle in the hot summer heat when I stop at lights and in rush hour stop and go traffic. When I pull off it goes back to normal in 5 secs give or take. Does this over and over. On the highway no problem till I stop. Had the Coolant checked for exhaust gas = head/block crack. Shop said no. Its been bled 2 times now. One shop did a digital Infrared thermometer check read on the large and small coolant hoses. One showed 120 degrees the other showed 180. They said it was normal temp, but at that time it was showing all way way up on the gauge to hot.

They could not figure it out so I took the car back. I was thinking about replacing the Temp sensor, but read that maybe that is Not the sensor that sends the gauge needle the signal? Read somewhere it's a "thermal transmitter" that sends the signal? I have no idea where that's located or if that is even correct info? Also not sure if that's really the problem but thought it was worth a shot at changing. I also saw somewhere that someone changed that had the same problem and it turned out to be the connector or something right there at it?

At this time I have not had any trouble check codes. They also told me there are no overheat codes in the history scans at all. There is Zero coolant leaks, never any at all. Anyone have a idea of what may be going on? Thanks.

 

What is telling, at least to me, is that the temp goes up when stopped but goes back down when going down the road. This points to fans and/or fan control circuit, a clogged radiator, or even water pump failing. A bit surprising the shop didn't look for that. One old school test (and I warn you it isn't comfortable) is to turn the heat on MAX with the fan on HIGH while stopped and see if the temp goes back down. If so, then the cooling fans need to be looked at. They may not be spinning up when needed. And make sure your coolant is fresh. Folks forget how old or bad coolant can impact the system.
Please keep us posted!