If it's broken in a way that the engine is running too hot, don't drive it.
Depends. If the thermostat is locked in the ``open'' position, you can drive the car for as long as you want, assuming you want no heat. In modern cars, the proper engine temperature does affect the fuel mileage through the ECU (computer), but it really does no long term damage.
Driving a car with a broken thermostat is not advisable. The thermostat regulates the engine's temperature by controlling the flow of coolant. If it's stuck closed, the engine can overheat, leading to severe damage such as a blown head gasket or warped cylinder head.
HOW IMPORTANT IS A THERMOSTAT SERVICE OR REPAIR. It is never good to have an over-heating engine. Delaying replacement of the engine thermostat and continuing to drive the car can only result in far more costly engine repairs or replacement.
Ignoring a worn-out thermostat isn't worth the risk. Besides the possibility of expensive engine repairs, driving with an overheating engine can lead to sudden breakdowns, leaving you stranded on the road or, worse, causing a fire hazard.
You Notice Erratic Temperature Changes
If you notice sudden and erratic temperature changes from cold to hot or hot to cold, then it could be a sign that your thermostat has stopped working correctly. Get your vehicle inspected if you notice these extreme temperature changes in your vehicle interior.
The average cost for car thermostat replacement is $661 to $747. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much thermostat replacement costs in your local area.
Overheating is the most common symptom of a failing thermostat. Due to corrosion or aging, your car's thermostat can get stuck in a closed position. If this happens, the thermostat will not let the coolant reach the radiator, and, as mentioned above, the engine will overheat, causing severe damage.
The cost to install a thermostat is $182 on average, but you could pay between $113 and $264. Thermostats play an important role in our daily lives, cooling us down during the sweltering summer heat and keeping us warm and cozy during winter. While the average cost to install a thermostat is $182, pricing can vary.
Car thermostat replacement time is 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the make of the car. It will cost you around $190 to $350, including labor. Thermostat repairs usually take more time, requiring extra time to diagnose and analyze the vehicle's thermostat. It can take up to 2 hours.
However, most car experts recommend car thermostat replacement after 10 years. However, this is an optimistic number. Thermostats are more likely to stop working much earlier than a decade. Some factors that induce an early thermostat failure include harsh weather, rough driving, bad engine or thermostat parts.
While there is a small chance that there is an issue with the running temperature of your engine, by far the most common issue with trouble code P0128 is a faulty thermostat. The exact location of the thermostat and issues related to a damaged thermostat may vary depending on your vehicle.
Your overheated engine may still be running, but it's not fine. You risk costly damage to your engine if you keep driving.
A bad engine thermostat can lead to a range of problems that affect your vehicle's performance and efficiency. By recognizing the signs of a failing thermostat and taking prompt action to fix the issue, you can prevent more extensive damage and keep your engine running smoothly.
You can try to clean or knock on a thermostat to get it unstuck. However, that's only a short-term fix you should not rely on. Remember: a stuck thermostat is terrible news for your engine, regardless of whether it's stuck open or closed. So, the best thing you can do is replace your stuck thermostat with a new one.
If it's broken in a way that the engine is running too hot, don't drive it. Watch the gauge on the instrument panel and see which it is.
If your thermostat has fresh batteries but suddenly lacks power, flashes, or isn't responsive to adjustments, it may need replacement. If resetting the thermostat doesn't resolve the problem, you may have wiring problems or faulty components causing your thermostat to not turn on.
Your AC and Heater Won't Start
If the thermostat's wiring becomes loose, it can break connections with your home heating and cooling appliances. This means that the thermostat isn't controlling the air conditioner or the heater.
If you drive with a bad thermostat, your car could overheat, causing severe and expensive engine damage. And while it's technically possible to drive without a thermostat, we don't recommend it. Your car will not reach an acceptable operating temperature, resulting in higher fuel consumption and excessive engine wear.
The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of the AC system. If the thermostat is not working properly, it won't be able to regulate the temperature properly, which will cause warm air to be blown into your car.
Can people drive a car with the thermostat not working? If a water-cooled engine thermostat gets stuck open, then the car may be drivable, but it may eventually foul itself because it will not reach operating temperature where fuel metering and burning are calculated to be efficient and not wasteful.
Installation typically takes about 1 hour.
A malfunctioning thermostat will have trouble keeping your home's temperature at the right setting. If there's something wrong with the motherboard, it may change its own settings at random. You can test the thermostat by lowering the settings to see if the problem persists.