The most common causes behind a temperature gauge that isn't working include a faulty coolant temperature sensor, broken thermostat, and air trapped in the coolant system. A temperature gauge displays the current temperature of your vehicle's coolant.
If your car's temperature gauge is not moving, it could be due to several reasons: Faulty Temperature Sensor: The temperature sensor, which sends data to the gauge, may be malfunctioning or damaged. Broken Gauge: The gauge itself could be faulty. This can happen due to electrical issues or internal failure.
On most vehicles, the temperature gauge reads cold until the engine has been running for a few minutes. If after the vehicle is warmed up, and the temperature is still reading cold, the temperature gauge may be broken. Another reason the temperature gauge is reading low is if the thermostat in the vehicle stays open.
You're either low on coolant or you thermostat is stuck open.
Signs of a faulty coolant temperature sensor include erratic temperature gauge readings, check engine light, engine overheating or running too cold, poor fuel economy, and rough idle or poor performance. Testing and replacement of the sensor may be necessary.
If your car's temperature gauge needle is moving up and down sporadically, Shums Auto Repair advises that the thermostat may be malfunctioning.
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.
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.
While you can still drive with a faulty temperature gauge, it's not a good idea. Without accurate readings from the gauge, you might overstress the engine, causing additional problems.
Some of the most common thermostat issues include:
The thermostat is broken, not properly level, or dusty. The thermostat needs to be recalibrated. There is loose wiring causing a thermostat issue.
Additionally, if the engine is cold, it may not run as efficiently, which can lead to increased emissions and reduced fuel economy. Warming up your car allows the engine oil to circulate and warm up, which makes it flow more easily and reduces the wear and tear on the engine.
The average cost for an Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement is between $406 and $448. Labor costs are estimated between $97 and $122 while parts are priced between $309 and $325. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your unique location. Related repairs may also be needed.
Your temperature gauge should register cold when you first start your car and slowly build up to normal as the engine warms up. If the temperature gauge is reading lower or higher than normal, it's possible that there's a problem with the thermostat.
The most common cause of faulty temperature readings is a broken coolant temperature sensor (CTS). The part, which is normally located near a vehicle's thermostat near the base of the radiator (consult your owner's manual or repair guide) can get gunked up and fail.
The average cost of a new thermostat, including installation, ranges in price from $50 to $500 or more based on several factors including the type of thermostat, labor costs, the complexity of the installation, and more.
You Find Incorrect Readings on the Temperature Gauge
The temperature gauge will read cold until your vehicle has had time to warm up, after which, it should register the average temperature. If it continues to read too cold or registers too hot, then there is the chance that the temperature gauge should be replaced.
If the engine's coolant levels are low, you may notice hot air coming through your car's interior vents. You might also notice a strange odor when your AC or heating system is turned on.
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.
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.