Why Does My Car Temperature Gauge Fluctuate?
The temperature gauge on your vehicle indicates the temperature of the coolant in your engine. A fluctuating temperature gauge suggests inconsistencies in some part of your vehicle's cooling system, which can put your engine at risk for catastrophic failure. Trouble shooting your cooling system is cheap insurance for maintaining the life of your vehicle.
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Electrical Problems with the Guage
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The electronic sensor on your water thermostat cracks or falls off with time and heat from the engine. When the sensor disconnects, or creates a loose connection, the temperature gauge will fluctuate. Check your water thermostat to ensure a proper sensor connection.
Cylinder Head Gasket Leaks
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Improperly torqued bolts, or heat stress, will cause a cylinder head gasket to bulge or leak. Engine coolant escapes from the leak in the form of steam, causing a loss of coolant. Use a pressure gauge to check that your cylinder heads are producing adequate compression.
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Water Thermostat Failure
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A thermostat that seizes and stays open or closed will improperly regulate the temperature of the engine coolant. Removing the water pump and replacing the thermostat eliminates the possibility of failure as a cause for fluctuation.
Coolant to Water Ratio
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Coolant should make up at least 50 percent of the liquid mixture in your vehicle's radiator. If you rely mostly on water to cool your engine, your vehicle's temperature will fluctuate radically. Adding coolant to your radiator may bring the mixture back to proper levels.
Low Coolant Levels
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A low coolant level prevents the engine from dissipating heat properly. Removing the radiator cap and adding coolant may correct a temperature gauge fluctuation.
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References
- Photo Credit containers of anti-freeze and coolant for cars. products image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
