Can a coolant temperature sensor work intermittently?

Can a coolant temperature sensor work intermittently?

Problem Description At higher mileages (125,00+) the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor may intermittently stop working, especially when the vehicle is fully warmed up. This can result in illumination of the Check Engine Light and/or an engine stalling problem.

Why does my temp gauge stay on cold?

The most common reason your temperature gauge staying on cold is a faulty coolant temperature sensor. It can also be caused by bad wirings between the cluster or the sensor. In some cases, it can also be a stuck thermostat causing the engine not to heat up properly.

Why does my temperature gauge fluctuate?

One common cause is a defective thermostat, a component that is inexpensive and easy to replace. Other causes of a fluctuating temperature gauge are a failing radiator fan, insufficient coolant level and a leaking cylinder head gasket. A failing radiator fan will be erratic.

Why does my car temperature gauge go up when idling?

Car Temperature Gauge Goes Up When Idling. You may notice that the temperature on your vehicle only rises when you’re idling, and here’s why. When your car is moving, the air is passing across the fins of the radiator. When that happens, the heat is taken away from the liquid coolant on the inside of the radiator.

Why does my temperature gauge go down when idling?

If your car begins to overheat when idling, but the temperature gauge moves back down once you get going, it’s most likely due to a broken radiator fan. When the coolant goes to the radiator, it’s spread over a large surface area to cool it down. Airflow further cools it before it returns to the engine.

What happens when fuel temperature sensor goes bad?

Decrease in power, acceleration and fuel efficiency A faulty rail sensor may upset the air fuel ratio and cause the vehicle to experience performance issues such as a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency, and in some cases may even experience stalling.

Why does my car temperature keep going cold?

Here is a more detailed list of the most common causes when a temperature gauge stays on cold. The most common problem when it comes to a faulty engine temperature reading is the coolant temperature sensor itself, sending the information to the cluster. Some cars have two temperature sensors, while other car models have one.

What causes an engine temperature sensor to go off?

1. Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor. The most common problem when it comes to a faulty engine temperature readings is the coolant temperature sensor itself which is sending the information to the cluster.

What causes a car temperature gauge to stay on low?

What could cause the temperature gauge to stay on low? The most common causes of why the temperature gauge stays on cold are faulty coolant temp sensor, faulty temperature gauge, broken wires, bad thermostat , and air pockets in the cooling system.

How can I tell if my coolant temperature sensor is bad?

To diagnose the coolant temperature sensor, you need a repair manual for your car model to find what measurement values you should expect from the coolant temperature sensor. Connect an OBD2 Scanner and look for related trouble codes. Check the live data to see the temperature from the sensor.