What would cause a temperature gauge to stop working?

What would cause a temperature gauge to stop working?

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.

What does it mean when your temperature gauge stays on cold?

On most vehicles, the temperature gauge reads cold until the engine has run for a few minutes. If the temperature gauge still reads cold after the engine has warmed up, the gauge may simply be broken. With the thermostat stuck open, the engine can be overcooled, causing a low temperature reading.

Is there a fuse for the temperature gauge?

There will be a fused wire with voltage to the instrument cluster (your owners manual should indicate which fuse), but the temperature sensor is providing a variable “resistance to ground,” which the temperature gauge in the dash is reflecting.

How do I reset my temp gauge?

How To Reset Ambient Temperature Sensor

1. Sensor Location. The first step in resetting the sensors is to locate them so that the unit can be accessed quickly.
2. Remove the Sensor Battery.
3. Remove the Device.
4. Reset the Sensor.
5. Put the Sensor Back in Place.
6. Check the Reading.

How do I fix my temp gauge not working?

If there’s no light, check the gas gauge fuse. If the fuse is good, connect a jumper between the ignition and the positive side of the gauge. If it works, you need to replace the wire between the ignition and the gauge. If the light turns on, then you’re running 12 volts, and it’s the gauge itself you need to replace.

How do I know if my temp gauge is bad?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Thermostat

1. Temperature gauge reading very high and engine overheating.
2. Temperature changing erratically.
3. Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing or under the vehicle.

How do you tell if you have a bad thermostat in your car?

Here are the signs your car thermostat is failing:

1. The temperature gauge reads high and the engine overheats.
2. The temperature changes erratically.
3. The vehicle’s coolant leaks around the thermostat or under the vehicle.

What does a stuck thermostat look like?

Checking For the Signs of a Bad Thermostat Look to see if the coolant is swirling/flowing immediately — that means the thermostat’s stuck open. If the coolant doesn’t flow after 10 minutes or so and continues to be stagnant after the temperature gauge indicates it’s hot, the thermostat’s likely stuck closed.