Odd Temperature Gauge Readings If the temperature gauge is reading lower or higher than normal, it's possible that there's a problem with the thermostat. If your car is overheating all the time, the thermostat likely is not releasing coolant into the engine to reduce the engine's temperature.
If you experience symptoms like coolant leaking or overheating, make sure to get your thermostat replaced as soon as possible. Depending on your budget and mechanical know-how, you can replace the thermostat on your own or have it replaced by a professional.
Driving with a thermostat stuck closed can lead to serious engine problems. The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant in the engine, helping to maintain an optimal operating temperature. If it is stuck closed, the coolant cannot circulate properly, which can cause the engine to overheat.
A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.
Temperature Gauge Issues
Place the thermostat into the water and watch the temperature gauge. If the thermostat gauge doesn't go up, spikes, or goes up far beyond the actual temperature of the water, then your thermostat likely needs to be replaced.
Standard thermostats: Enlist a friend or family member to assist, Position one person by the thermostat and one person by the furnace. Slowly turn the thermostat from off to heat and increase the temperature. Both the thermostat and furnace should make a sound.
Place the thermostat in a pot of water on the stove. Turn on the heat and use a thermometer to monitor the water temperature. As the water heats up, observe the thermostat. It should start to open around the specified temperature (usually marked on the thermostat).
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.
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.
Without the right amount of oil, your engine becomes more vulnerable to overheating. Since there's not enough oil circulating through the engine, there's no way for the engine to shed that excess heat. This can lead to heat soak, where certain engine components overheat and eventually deform due to the stress.
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.
Temperature Fluctuations: One of the most common signs of a bad thermostat is erratic temperature readings on your dashboard gauge. If you notice that the temperature gauge moves from normal to hot quickly or fluctuates unexpectedly, it's a clear indication that your thermostat may be malfunctioning.
A defective water pump cannot be repaired, it must be replaced with a new one. It is a common practice to also replace the vehicle's thermostat when doing a water pump replacement. It is not always needed, but if you suspect that your engine got hot when the water pump failed, it's a good idea to take care of it.
What are 3 ways you can tell if a water pump is bad? Leaking or residue from the front of the engine, overheating, and whining or squealing noises from the engine can indicate a bad water pump.
Take your radiator cap off and note the coolant level. idle the vehicle until it's hot enough for the fans to kick on, maybe 10-15mins depending. When they do, you can look down in your radiator and see the coolant level drop and probably see it circulating as well.
The source of the issue could include a cooling system leak, bad radiator fan, faulty water pump, low engine oil level, or thermostat failure. Regardless of the problem's source, an overheating engine isn't something you want to let linger. Your engine could sustain serious, if not permanent, damage.
If it's stuck closed, your engine is at risk of overheating, and you might notice temperature spikes on the gauge. How can I check if my car thermostat is working? Test the thermostat by checking when it opens in a pot of hot water, or monitor engine temperature with a scan tool.
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.
A bad thermostat can result in insufficient or no heat inside the car.