A magnet attached to the coil keeps a bar pointing at zero until the wire senses heat after the engine is turned on. The wire, which runs into part of the cooling system, such as the radiator, where cooling water is flowing, causes the pointer to move on the temperature reading gauge to indicate the water temperature.

How does a coolant temp gauge work?

The temperature gauge utilizes a sensor, located near or in the thermostat housing, to send an electrical signal through the vehicles internal computer corresponding to the specific coolant temperature, giving the gauge on your dashboard an accurate reading of the temperature.

How do you test a water temperature gauge?

1:253:06Troubleshooting Oil Pressure and Water Temperature GaugesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can test this by removing the sender wire from the back of the gauge. And running a jumper wireMoreYou can test this by removing the sender wire from the back of the gauge. And running a jumper wire from the gauge connection to ground.

Why is my car reading the wrong temperature?

Your car actually has a thermistor – not a thermometer. Car thermistors are a poor representation of the actual outside temperature. This is because the thermistor is exposed to re-radiated heat from the road surface.

Can I drive my car with a bad coolant temperature sensor?

It is possible to drive a vehicle with a faulty coolant temperature sensor as the management system defaults to a static reading. A vehicles coolant sensor is a critical component used by the engine management system. It directly effects, cooling and fueling of the engine and therefore effects how the engine performs.

How do you reset the temperature gauge on a car?

Heres how to test and replace a faulty thermostat.Let the cars coolant cool for 15 to 20 minutes.Locate the thermostat.For better clearance, jack up the front end of the vehicle.Remove the radiator cap.Drain the radiator, according to instruction sin your cars repair manual.Remove the thermostat.More items •May 15, 2020

How can you tell if your car thermostat is bad?

Here are the signs your car thermostat is failing:The temperature gauge reads high and the engine overheats.The temperature changes erratically.The vehicles coolant leaks around the thermostat or under the vehicle.Apr 21, 2021

How do I know if my thermostat is working?

Start your cars engine and allow it to idle. Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.

How do you know if your car thermostat is broken?

Here are the signs your car thermostat is failing:The temperature gauge reads high and the engine overheats.The temperature changes erratically.The vehicles coolant leaks around the thermostat or under the vehicle.Apr 21, 2021

How can you tell if your thermostat is open?

Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.

Can you run a car without a temperature sensor?

Most automobile mechanics will tell you it is not a good idea to drive your car without a thermostat installed. If your thermostat becomes stuck in the closed position, though, this will cause your engine to overheat and make driving your car impossible.