What causes a 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.
Why is my temperature gauge always on cold?
Reasons the Temperature Gauge Reads Cold On most vehicles, the temperature gauge reads cold until the engine has run for a few minutes. With the thermostat stuck open, the engine can be overcooled, causing a low temperature reading. If this is the case, the thermostat may need to be replaced.
How to replace the temperature sensor on a Toyota Camry?
Reverse the above steps for installation, refill the radiator with new fluid, start engine until warmed up and recheck fluid levels after cool down. Allowing the engine to idle for 1/2 hour with the radiator cap off can help remove air pockets. 2. Replacing the Temperature Sensor
How does the temperature gauge work on a car?
The temperature gauge reading starts out as a reference voltage that is sent to the coolant temperature sensor. This sensor is nothing more than a thermistor — a variable resistor that changes resistance with temperature changes. As the coolant temperature rises or falls, the resistance of the sensor changes as well.
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 happens when the thermostat fails on a Toyota Camry?
In one case when a thermostat failed, the customer complained that he was getting heat in the cabin. He said the temperature gauge on the dashboard would rise to the normal operating range during warmup, then rapidly move down to the cold range.