What would cause my temperature gauge not to work?

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. Disconnect the temperature sensor’s wiring connector.

How do I know if my temp gauge is working?

How do you check a car’s temperature gauge?

1. Unplug the temperature gauge from the sending unit.
2. Turn the ignition key to the “On” position.
3. Ground the temperature gauge wire to the engine.
4. Check the temperature gauge inside the car.
5. Turn the ignition key to the “Off” position.
6. Check the fuses inside the car.

Why is the temperature gauge on the dashboard not working?

Thus, the temperature gauge on your dashboard is your window into the coolant temperature as seen by the temperature sending unit. It lets you know when the engine is cool, at operating temperature, overheating, or fluctuating. The sending unit is a thermistor. It is exposed on one side to engine coolant.

How does the temperature gauge work on a car?

Its operating principles remain the same: A temperature sensor that reads engine temperature, and a display to show the temperature. Thus, the temperature gauge on your dashboard is your window into the coolant temperature as seen by the temperature sending unit.

How can I tell if my temperature gauge is inoperative?

To diagnose an inoperative temperature gauge, you’ll need to test the coolant temperature sensor and the wiring for that circuit. You should have a service or repair manual written for your specific vehicle prior to attempting these tests. You will need to drain and fill the cooling system as well as test specifically colored wires.

What does it mean when your temperature gauge is too low?

Unfortunately, when the temperature gauge reads too low, too high or fluctuates, you don’t know whether something is wrong with the engine, the gauge, or something else. Unless the gauge is in the red zone and you see steam coming out from under the hood, of course.

Thus, the temperature gauge on your dashboard is your window into the coolant temperature as seen by the temperature sending unit. It lets you know when the engine is cool, at operating temperature, overheating, or fluctuating. The sending unit is a thermistor. It is exposed on one side to engine coolant.

Its operating principles remain the same: A temperature sensor that reads engine temperature, and a display to show the temperature. Thus, the temperature gauge on your dashboard is your window into the coolant temperature as seen by the temperature sending unit.

Unfortunately, when the temperature gauge reads too low, too high or fluctuates, you don’t know whether something is wrong with the engine, the gauge, or something else. Unless the gauge is in the red zone and you see steam coming out from under the hood, of course.

Is it safe to drive without a temperature gauge?

It’s not safe to drive without a temperature gauge, but you may want to try an aftermarket solution in the meantime, so you can keep an eye on the temperature. You don’t need to make a permanent installation; just secure it properly and use it while you wait for the replacement.