Diyvehiclerepair
- What happens when coolant temperature sensor goes bad?
- Why is my car temperature gauge up but not overheating?
- What does the red temperature light mean in a car?
- What sensor controls the temperature gauge?
- Can you drive with a bad coolant temp sensor?
- Is there a fuse for coolant temperature sensor?
- What causes car temperature gauge to fluctuate?
- What does it mean when your temperature gauge stays on hot?
- Where is coolant temperature sensor?
What happens when coolant temperature sensor goes bad?
Poor Fuel Economy
If the coolant temperature sensor malfunctions, it can transmit a false signal to the computer. And the response of the computer may unbalance the timing and fuel calculations. It is also common for a coolant temperature sensor to fail without warning and send permanently cold signals to the computer.
Why is my car temperature gauge up but not overheating?
Faulty Cooling System
So, if you find your car temperature gauge rising but your car is not overheating, here might be a few reasons: a bad radiator, reduced coolant level, a defective thermostat, or faulty water pump. A bad water pump can also cause the car temperature to move straight too high.
What does the red temperature light mean in a car?
Red Engine Temperature Warning Light
A red (occasionally yellow on some vehicles) engine temperature warning light that stays on or comes on while driving means there's a coolant fault or your engine is overheating and requires immediate attention. Sometimes this warning light may flash.
What sensor controls the temperature gauge?
To troubleshoot your car's temperature gauge, you need to know how it works. The temperature gauge reading starts out as a reference voltage that is sent to the coolant temperature sensor. This sensor is nothing more than a thermistor -- a variable resistor that changes resistance with temperature changes.
Can you drive with a bad coolant temp sensor?
It is possible to drive a vehicle with a faulty coolant temperature sensor as the management system defaults to a static reading. A vehicle's coolant sensor is a critical component used by the engine management system. It directly affects, cooling and fueling of the engine and therefore affects how the engine performs.
Is there a fuse for coolant temperature sensor?
There isn't one per se. There will be a fused wire with voltage to the instrument cluster (your owners manual should indicate which fuse), but the temperature sensor is providing a variable "resistance to ground," which the temperature gauge in the dash is reflecting.
What causes car temperature gauge to fluctuate?
One common cause is a defective thermostat, a component that is inexpensive and easy to replace. Other causes of a fluctuating temperature gauge are a failing radiator fan, insufficient coolant level and a leaking cylinder head gasket. A failing radiator fan will be erratic.
What does it mean when your temperature gauge stays on hot?
If the temperature gauge reads high, it could mean your engine is overheating. Another reason your reading might be high is you could be losing coolant. A small leak or evaporation may cause your radiator to slowly lose coolant. A third reason your temperature gauge reads high could be because the thermostat is broken.
Where is coolant temperature sensor?
The CTS is normally towards the front of the engine, near the radiator or thermostat housing. Because it's a small component and is often located lower down inside the engine bay, you may need to use a light or torch to find it.
