Temperature gauge not reading
I have replaced the ECT sensor and the Guage still not reads. Is there any other sensors I should check. Also how difficult would it be to install an after market gauge wired directly to the ECT. Fuses? I've checked all and seems well. Would wiring be the issue or maybe some thing wrong in the dash board?
My car has 165000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The most likely cause of this issue if the temperature sensor has already been replaced would be the instrument cluster. In this case you have two options for repair. You can purchase a new gauge cluster that is the OEM part and have it installed by a qualified professional. Or you can purchase an aftermarket gauge like you mentioned and bypass the factory gauge. Either repair would work just fine. The difference is whether you are willing to have a pointless gauge on your dashboard and another gauge that requires you to drill holes into your dashboard.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
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 instrument cluster fuse, also known as the dashboard fuse, powers the gauges and displays on your vehicle`s dashboard. This includes the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge still reads cold after the engine has warmed up, the gauge may simply be broken. Another reason the temperature gauge could read cold is if the thermostat in the vehicle stays open. With the thermostat stuck open, the engine can be overcooled, causing a low temperature reading.
The ambient air temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature of the air outside the vehicle. It is often located behind the front bumper, but on some vehicles can be found in the door mirror behind the glass.
Most modern vehicles have a fuse box located under the hood and another under the dashboard. The fuses for your instrument panel lights and the gauge cluster should be located under the dashboard or behind a panel near the driver`s side door.
The fuses under discussion are temperature-sensitive devices whose ratings have been established in a 25ºC ambient. The fuse temperature generated by the current passing through the fuse increases or decreases with ambient temperature change.
Checking For the Signs of a Bad Thermostat
Look to see if the coolant is swirling/flowing immediately — that means the thermostat`s stuck open. If the coolant doesn`t flow after 10 minutes or so and continues to be stagnant after the temperature gauge indicates it`s hot, the thermostat`s likely stuck closed.
Start your car`s engine and allow it to idle. Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.
This can be caused by a number of things such as low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, or a failing coolant fan switch.
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.
The ECT sensor is often located on the engine block, usually near the thermostat housing. On some engines, it may be located on the intake manifold. The sensor measures the temperature of the coolant and sends a signal to the computer. The computer uses this information to adjust the ignition timing and fuel mixture.
Alongside the signal that your engine is overheating, you may see your check engine light come on if your coolant temperature sensor is failing or has failed. If your car`s computer senses a problem with the signal your sensor is sending, it may trigger the check engine light.
The most common and most likely cause for the engine to not get to operating temperature is commonly cause by the thermostat stuck in the open position or is broken.
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.
An oral reading may be affected if you`ve sipped a cold drink or kept your mouth open while taking your temperature. An armpit reading may be lower if you did not hold the thermometer in the correct place or if you improperly closed your arm. Take your temperature a few times to make sure the reading is correct.
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.
Alongside the signal that your engine is overheating, you may see your check engine light come on if your coolant temperature sensor is failing or has failed. If your car`s computer senses a problem with the signal your sensor is sending, it may trigger the check engine light.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
I have a problem with the temperature gauge – 2002 Buick Rendezvous
ANSWER : Hello. The temperature gauge is going to elevate based on the resistance of the sensor. The first thing to check is the temperature sending unit. The wires or the sensor itself may be corroded or damaged. This would cause extra resistance in the system and cause the gauge to be off.
You can test the readings coming from the temperature sensor. You will want to test for resistance and match it to the correlated temperature. You can find these specifications based on make and model. This would inform you of what the gauge thinks the temperature is versus what the scanner is reading. If they are off, then you know the sensor is bad and you should replace it. The sensor will signal the computer as to when the fans should be turning on. If the fans are not turning on soon enough, this would be the cause.
I recommend having a certified mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to determine if the gauge is faulty and replace the temperature sending unit if necessary.
Read Full Q/A … : Temperature gauge not reading
Gas gauge isn’t working. Sometimes the speedometer and the temperature gauge doesn’t work. Limited lights around gauges and radio.
ANSWER : Hi there. The dashboard lights are burned out in the dash and the dimmer switch could be worn causing the lights to be weak. The gauges that seldom fail to work is most likely a loose wire in the dash panel. The fuel gauge that is not going to E when shutting off the car has a damaged rheostat within the sending unit. The sending unit is in the fuel tank attached to the fuel pump. If you need further assistance with your gauges not working, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Temperature gauge not reading
My temperature gauge keeps making it look like my car is overheating the temperature gauge moves up to the red. I already changed the thermometer
ANSWER : Hey there. Your cooling system consists of several components. Thermostat, radiator, heater core, and water pump are just a few. Since the thermostat has been replaced, it is more than likely not the cause of the engine running hot. If any part of the cooling system like the radiator or heater are clogged, coolant will not circulate thought the system properly.
If the water pump is damaged internally – the impeller separated from the shaft or fell apart – this also could cause the coolant flow to be stopped. Other cooling system components, such as a bad radiator fan motor, relay, or coolant temperature sensor which sends a signal to the radiator fan to turn on can be at fault. Also, a leaking head gasket can cause the engine to run hot. Have a certified technician diagnose the running hot condition before replacing parts that may not solve the problem as that can become costly.
Read Full Q/A … : Temperature gauge not reading
Fuel gauge and temperature gauge not working.
ANSWER : The fuel gauge not reading properly may be likely related to your fuel sending unit or the gauge in the dash itself. The sending unit is a small float type component inside your fuel tank that measures the level of the fuel inside the tank. As the fuel level drops, the float level changes and sends a signal to the car’s computer which then displays the reading on the fuel gauge in your dash.
The temperature gauge also has a sensor (or in some cases called a switch) that reads the coolant temperature and relays this information to the ECU which uses this information to control other functions such as the air/fuel ratio during warm up. This also serves to control the turning on and off of the cooling fans when the temperature reaches a specific threshold. When this is not working properly, you may also experience the engine overheating in some cases. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and repair your gauges.
Read Full Q/A … : Temperature gauge not reading
Temperature gauge does not work – 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis
ANSWER : You will need to test the computer to scan for data of the temperature sensor to see if the computer is reading the correct temperature as tested externally on the coolant sensor. If the sensor is not accurate then replace the sender. If the sender is accurate then you will need to have the temperature gauge replaced.
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How do I get the maintenance required light to stop blinking and my temperature gauge to be normal?
ANSWER : Hi there, thanks for writing in. The Toyota maintenance light is a reminder to get your oil changed. This light comes on periodically and needs to be reset with every oil change. As for the temperature gauge this is normal. The engine is cold when it is first started so it reads like this and as it runs it warms up and the gauge starts moving. This is normal. I would just have your oil change done when you get a chance. If you want to have your oil changed, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to do this.
Read Full Q/A … : Temperature gauge not reading
Problem with the coolant temperature gauge.
ANSWER : Hi there. The temperature gauge is not grounding out to the vehicle chassis. Try putting an additional wire on the housing of the temperature gauge and grounding it to the chassis. If this has no effect, then the gauge is not working and would need replaced. If you need further assistance with your temperature gauge, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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My temperature gauge is reading hot. Just had my thermostat replace last week. They found no other leaks, pressure test was good s
ANSWER : It’s possible that your temperature gauge is operating erratically which would be an electrical problem (sending unit, gauge, wiring, etc.) rather than an actual overheating problem. The most common causes of overheating include low coolant level, a faulty thermostat, a plugged radiator, a faulty radiator pressure cap, collapsed hoses, non functioning cooling fans, and a faulty water pump or drive belt. Certain engine faults, such as a leaking head gasket or poor engine running condition can also cause overheating. Whether the problem is gauge related (electrical) or actual overheating, if you desire that this problem be diagnosed by a certified Mechanic, dispatched by YourMechanic right to your location, please request an engine overheating diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Read Full Q/A … : Temperature gauge not reading
