How does a mechanical temp gauge work?
A mechanical temperature gauge uses a bulb submerged in the engine’s coolant with a capillary tube connecting it to the gauge. As the temperature increases, liquid in the tube expands, which causes a curved tube, called a Bourdon tube, to move the needle on the gauge.
What should I do if my temperature gauge reads 50 ohms?
If the sensor reads 30-50 Ohms when the engine is hot then there may be a problem with the wiring back to the gauge or with the gauge itself. Make sure the engine is turned OFF and that the vehicle’s ignition key is in your pocket when you test the sensor. Also don’t burn yourself on the engine block when the engine is hot Was this answer helpful?
Is it normal for a car temp gauge to be cold?
If your car has sat immobile for a few hours, it’s normal for the temperature gauge to show a cold reading for a few minutes after start-up. Of course, it may take a bit longer for it to come up to a normal temperature in extremely cold temperatures.
What does it mean when your temperature gauge is not working?
The temperature sensor/sending unit is faulty. If this is the case your sensor will be reading the coolant temperature incorrectly and sending the wrong signal to the gauge. This could work in either direction and read as cool when it’s running hot or hot when it’s running cool. A malfunctioning circuit in the temperature gauge
How does the temp gauge on a car work?
The temperature gauge utilizes a sensor, located near or in the thermostat housing, to send an electrical signal through the vehicle’s internal computer corresponding to the specific coolant temperature, giving the gauge on your dashboard an accurate reading of the temperature.
If the sensor reads 30-50 Ohms when the engine is hot then there may be a problem with the wiring back to the gauge or with the gauge itself. Make sure the engine is turned OFF and that the vehicle’s ignition key is in your pocket when you test the sensor. Also don’t burn yourself on the engine block when the engine is hot Was this answer helpful?
Why does my temperature gauge read hot and cold?
If it reads approx. 140 Ohm (or more) when the engine is both cold and hot then the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced. If the sensor reads 30-50 Ohms when the engine is hot then there may be a problem with the wiring back to the gauge or with the gauge itself.
How does a bi metal temp gauge work?
Bi-metallic temperature gauges have wire wrapped around the bi-metal strip; changes in current flow through the winding, causing the strip to heat up or cool down, which makes the indicator needle move. One of the earliest types of electric gauges is using a heating element wrapped around a bi-metal strip.