When do you Know Your Car thermostat is bad?
Instead of ending up too hot all the time, the engine will then have an issue with being too cool. If you have been driving for a few minutes and your vehicle’s temperature gauge needle is still sitting close to the bottom, it’s time to check your thermostat. 3. Temperature Fluctuations
Can a bad thermostat cause bad gas mileage?
Temperature Changing Erratically Erratic temperature fluctuations can also occur, causing dramatic spikes and drops in temperature that eventually lead to poor engine performance and reduced gas mileage. In this case, you may see the temperature abnormally low at one point and, shortly after, climb to an abnormally high level.
What does it mean when your engine thermostat is stuck?
If it takes more than five minutes for the heater to produce heat, it is a sign that the thermostat is stuck open, allowing all the coolant to flow all the time. This causes it to take a good deal longer for the engine to warm up. The thermostat on a Chevrolet 454.
Why is the thermostat on my Chevy Venture not working?
Pam, your problem seems similar to the original question. If the engine’s temperature will not stabilize around 160° to 180°, regardless of whether you are moving or not, this usually is caused by a stuck open thermostat, or a thermostat that was replaced incorrectly.
What does it mean when your car thermostat is not working?
This is often the first sign that the thermostat is not functioning properly. It means coolant isn’t entering the engine because the thermostat is stuck closed, and your car can suffer engine damage fast.
Temperature Changing Erratically Erratic temperature fluctuations can also occur, causing dramatic spikes and drops in temperature that eventually lead to poor engine performance and reduced gas mileage. In this case, you may see the temperature abnormally low at one point and, shortly after, climb to an abnormally high level.
What to do when your engine thermostat is stuck?
When an engine is cold, the thermostat should be closed, thus bypassing the radiator. Warm (not hot!) engine test: Open hood and remove radiator cap. Start engine. Observe coolant action. It should be swirling vigorously. When an engine is warm, the thermostat is in the open position.
What happens when the thermostat on a GM 4.3L fails?
When the thermostat, in your GM 4.3L, 5.0L or 5.7L pick up, SUV, or van fails, it does one of two things: it stays stuck open or stuck closed. If it stays stuck closed, your pick up (van or SUV) will overheat.