Why Does My Car’s Temperature Gauge Stay on Cold?
Are there any issues with the coolant temperature meter even if the car’s engine is clearly warm? One of the most important things to keep in mind in your car is the coolant temperature. Because if the engine overheats, some terrible things can happen. This article explains coolant thermometers and what you can do when this problem occurs.
7 Reasons Why Your Car Temperature Knife Stays Cold
The most common reason why your car’s temperature display remains in the cold is a broken coolant temperature sensor. It can also be caused by insufficient cables between the cluster and the sensor. In some cases, it can become a choked thermostat. This means that the engine is not properly heated.
Let’s take a look at a few more reasons. Here you can find a more detailed list of the most common reasons why thermometers remain cold.
1. Incorrect engine coolant temperature sensor
As we talk about it, the most common problem with engine temperature failures is the refrigerated reading of the coolant temperature sensor itself, sending incorrect information to the cluster.
Some cars have two temperature sensors, while others only have one. Models with sensors typically use the same sensor for the temperature of the engine control unit and the measurement device.
If the car model has two cooling temperature sensors, one is used with a thermometer and the other is used for the engine control module.
Drive temperature sensors can be easily measured with a multimeter, but you need to find the right value. You can also find more information about the test in the repair manual. The article will provide in detail how to properly diagnose sensors later.
However, if you decide to replace one and your car has two sensors, you will need to make sure the sensor replaces the thermometer.
2. Broken Wire
If your car has two temperature sensors (separate for display), you will need to check the wires of the sensors for the troops or ohms. You need to measure the sensor from the cluster connection. If you have both sensors, there is a problem with the wire between the sensor and the ECU, or a problem with cableization between the measurement box and the ECU. Check for broken wires between these components.
The best way to find a broken cable is to measure the resistance with a multimeter from all directions of the wire. However, this requires a little electronic car face and you may need to look at the mechanic without it.
Also, the repair manual has information. Check the car’s circuit diagram and measure the cable correctly.
3. Error meter/cluster
The next problem is a malfunction in the temperature display. However, most temperature measuring devices are integrated into modern vehicles within the equipment cluster. In some cases, you can replace the temperature knife or repair a poor soldering agent if you find some. Other clusters may require replacing the entire equipment cluster. If you don’t know how to do it yourself, you can often bring your instrument cluster to a professional to repair the soldering.
However, cluster failures are not a very common problem, often very expensive and require a replacement program. Therefore, it is best to first check other things before choosing a cluster alternative. You can also test your cluster thermometer with an ohm tester if you have the knowledge.
4. Corrosion of plug-in connections
Corrosion of connections is also a common problem with broken thermometers. Clean and spray the electronic cleaner on the plugs of the sensor, Smotor Tax Unit Connection and cluster connector.
If corrosion occurs, there may be problems with plug connections and you may need to perform permanent repairs to avoid future issues or look into them to replace them.
5. Bad thermostat
The thermostat limits the coolant and flows through the cooler. If this remains much open, the temperature may not reach the optimum level.
However, this often means that if you run well enough, the temperature will rise from the minimum mark. If the temperature knife slowly rises, there may be a problem with the thermostat.
For more information about thermostats, you can read about symptom mistakes and causes of thermostats
6. Cooling system air
The air in the cooling system can leave the thermometer cold if the air bubbles are located directly in the sensor square. This can often be viewed with a fluctuating coolant meter.
If air in the coolant system is suspected, the coolant system should be bleed with unique bleeding techniques. If you want to know more about it, you can check for guide: coolant bleeding.
7. Broken engine control unit
This applies only if the car uses a temperature sensor combined with two pens. In rare cases, the engine control unit can be a problem if temperature information is first received by the ECM.
In this case, you must use the OBD2 scanner on the engine tax unit to check the error code to determine whether the engine tax unit receives temperature information.
However, if you cannot find the temperature values for the engine tax units in your cluster, you must ensure that you are using the same sensor. In this case, the temperature output of the engine control unit must be measured. For this purpose, I recommend that you have an Autotronics expert do the work for you.
You do not want to replace the engine control unit if there’s nothing wrong with it because they’re often costly and require coding.
How To Fix A Car Temperature Gauge That Stays On Cold
To fix a car temperature gauge that stays on cold, you will first want to read the trouble codes with an OBD scanner and then diagnose the coolant temperature sensor. You’ll also want to inspect the wiring and check the thermostat.
1. Read Trouble Codes
Whenever you have a problem related to the engine of modern cars, you always want to read the fault codes with an OBD2 scanner. These codes will give you a lot of valuable information, and you can save a lot of money and time by doing this.
For example, if you find a code related to the temperature gauge, you want to start diagnosing there. We have a trouble code library here at Mechanic Base where you can find information on many trouble codes you may encounter.
2. Diagnose Coolant Temperature Sensor
When you have problems with your car’s temperature, you want to locate and diagnose the coolant temperature sensor first. Keep in mind that cars may have a separate coolant temperature sensor for the engine and for the radiator fan, so you’ll want to check a repair manual to make sure you’re looking at the correct sensor.
Once you find the sensor, you’ll want to find the correct ohm values from a chart that matches your car model, then measure the sensor with a multimeter. If you get faulty values from the sensor, it’s time to replace it.
3. Test The Thermostat
You also want to make sure that it’s not actually the coolant that is cold, caused by a stuck open thermostat. To measure the thermostat, you need to use a laser thermometer and check the temperature coming out of the engine.
If you see warm coolant coming out of the engine, even though the engine is not hot, you probably want to remove the thermostat and check its functions.
4. Contact A Professional
Modern cars can be quite difficult to work on if you don’t have the right knowledge and there is no shame in asking for help. While taking your car to a repair shop can be expensive, it doesn’t necessarily have to be because mechanics are often quite quick to diagnose problems like this.
If you don’t have the right knowledge, you can waste money replacing parts that are fully functional and in this case it would be cheaper to take it to a mechanic in the first place.
Is it bad if my car temperature is cold?
The car engine is most efficient when it reaches operating temperature, and it will also wear less on the engine parts.
How do you unstick a stuck thermostat?
The only way to loosen a stuck thermostat is to do it manually by removing it. They are quite inexpensive.
How do I know if my thermostat is stuck open?
One way to tell if the thermostat is stuck open is to check the outlet radiator hose. The hose should not have any coolant circulation while the engine is warming up and, therefore, should remain cold until the engine reaches operating temperature.
How do I reset my temperature gauge?
There is no way to reset your temperature gauge in most car models. If you have a rare car model where it’s possible, you need to check a repair manual for your particular car model.
It’s not good for your engine to run without reaching the operating temperature; this will cause wear and tear over time.
If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, take it to a mechanic or dealer. With proper care and maintenance, your car will last longer and perform better.
