Can you drive with a bad coolant temperature sensor?

Can you drive with a bad coolant temperature sensor?

It is possible to drive a vehicle with a faulty coolant temperature sensor as the management system defaults to a static reading. A vehicles coolant sensor is a critical component used by the engine management system. It directly effects, cooling and fueling of the engine and therefore effects how the engine performs.

What happens if your car coolant sensor is faulty?

While sometimes a faulty sensor sends a permanent cold signal to the engine, it can also send a permanent hot signal. The computer will again miscalculate the signal and cause the engine to heat up instead of cooling it down. When this happens, the car might misfire, or it could lead to engine knocking.

Why does my car have a bad coolant temperature?

If you have to pump the gas pedal in the morning to keep your car running, you may have a bad engine coolant temperature sensor. The computer in every fuel-injected car must know two things before it can figure out the correct cold-start air/fuel mixture: the engine coolant temperature and the outside air temperature.

What happens if the ECT sensor gets damaged?

Like every other component, the ECT sensor can also get damaged resulting in a number of engine-related problems. Hence, it is advised to have your car inspected right away to avoid any serious problem. Here are some of the common symptoms you might face if the ECT gets damaged or becomes faulty.

What causes coolant to leak from exhaust system?

A leak in the EGR system leak may cause coolant to find its way through the exhaust system, the intake, and possibly the cylinders. Troubleshooting the EGR cooler usually requires a visit to the shop to have the system tested with special equipment. Coolant leaks may leave rust or white colored marks.

While sometimes a faulty sensor sends a permanent cold signal to the engine, it can also send a permanent hot signal. The computer will again miscalculate the signal and cause the engine to heat up instead of cooling it down. When this happens, the car might misfire, or it could lead to engine knocking.

If you have to pump the gas pedal in the morning to keep your car running, you may have a bad engine coolant temperature sensor. The computer in every fuel-injected car must know two things before it can figure out the correct cold-start air/fuel mixture: the engine coolant temperature and the outside air temperature.

When do you lose coolant, but no leaks?

It may be happening only when the car is hot when you drive and the coolant is under pressure. Try checking it when it is hot, under pressure and while the engine is running. BustedKnuckles July 6, 2016, 2:02am #8 The coolant pressure test is obviously showing a coolant leak. The system should not lose pressure if there were no leaks.

A leak in the EGR system leak may cause coolant to find its way through the exhaust system, the intake, and possibly the cylinders. Troubleshooting the EGR cooler usually requires a visit to the shop to have the system tested with special equipment. Coolant leaks may leave rust or white colored marks.