Engine Temp Question
12-14-2010, 12:58 PM
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Engine Temp Question
Ok here is my issue. I drive 45 min to work every day. During this time span while driving with the heat on full blast my car will only show 2 bars on the factory engine temp gauge. My aftermarket gauge reads around 110. It uses an inline sensor so I know its not entirely accurate. If I turn the heat off, 3 bars appear and the temp gauge rises also.
What could be causing this. Coolant is at the proper level. Could be the thermostat but im not sure. I figured it would throw a CEL.
Any help would be appreciated.
Trey
What could be causing this. Coolant is at the proper level. Could be the thermostat but im not sure. I figured it would throw a CEL.
Any help would be appreciated.
Trey
12-14-2010, 01:04 PM
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When the climate control is set to full heat, this opens up the heater core valve allowing coolant to flow through it. The heater core is like a small radiator and will dissipate heat off the coolant (Heat that you get through the vents). This causes the coolant temp to go down.
This is why there is an old trick which says you must set the heater at full blast if your car begins to overheat while you try to pull over as this will delay it a bit.
Now, i DONT think its normal for the temp gauge to stay at 2 bars with the heater at 100% unless you drive in VERY low temps. Stuck thermostat shouldnt be the issue since you said it goes to 3 bars with the heater off.
Hope I helped.
This is why there is an old trick which says you must set the heater at full blast if your car begins to overheat while you try to pull over as this will delay it a bit.
Now, i DONT think its normal for the temp gauge to stay at 2 bars with the heater at 100% unless you drive in VERY low temps. Stuck thermostat shouldnt be the issue since you said it goes to 3 bars with the heater off.
Hope I helped.
12-14-2010, 01:13 PM
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Thanks for the reply. Yeah I understand how the system works. I just can't put my finger on what's going on. I'm driving now with the heat off and it still fluctuates between two and 3 bars. Wtf.
12-14-2010, 01:40 PM
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01 with 130,000 forgot to mention I no longer have the air pump in the front left fender area. Was in an accident a year ago and never replaced it. It takes longer to warm up but if has never fluctuated like this.
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12-14-2010, 07:21 PM
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weird. Im almost out of ideas. i doubt air pump would affect coolant temp since it only injects air into the exhaust stream from the head.
Not sure man but im inclining to a partially stuck open thermostat.
Not sure man but im inclining to a partially stuck open thermostat.
12-14-2010, 08:45 PM
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Thermostat or partially clogged heater core , ill find out tomorrow. Thanks for the help man. I'll post back with the culprit tomorrow lol.
