Water Temperature Gauges
A car has several gauges to indicate how your vehicle is running and whether or not something needs to be fixed. A few of the main gauges are the
crankshaft, and air pressure. The temperature gauge indicates whether or not the car's engine is being cooled properly to prevent it from overheating or from seizing due to freezing. Think of it as a specialized
thermometer that also regulates the temperature. Typically there are two types of temperature gauges: Mechanical and Electric.
Mechanical
replace them caused their decline in popularity among car manufacturers. They have been replaced with electric systems.
Electric
needle or digital interface is connected to a flexible bimetallic strip that bends as the temperature rises. The sending unit, which is the temperature sensitive piece of the gauge, is placed so it can measure the coolant. The way the gauge works is that when the engine heats up there is less resistance so the gauge will allow the coolant to flow. The strip will bend and the gauge's face will read as hot. If the engine cools there is more resistance so the coolant does not flow as much.The gauge will read as cool because the strip will not bend.
How to Read the Gauge
The
coolant. If the opposite is occurring and the gauge reads as cold it means there is too much coolant being released to the engine or the wire needs to be replaced . Either way it means it's time to get your car inspected and fixed.
Troubleshooting a Malfunctioning Water Gauge
If you're not experienced in
sending unit is malfunctioning and you need to replace it. Do not continue further if this is the case. However, if it doesn't read hot it may just be a dead fuse. Test it, replace it if necessary and then try again. From this point on it's mostly just about testing it repeatedly to narrow down the problem. If the fuse is not broken you're going to need to use the voltmeter. If there is no voltage or little voltage, then there is probably a circuit problem. Once again, if that's the case you're done. If there is voltage and it's cold it's the wire. So now you've just figured out why the water temperature meter has been acting all wonky on you. Congratulations. Your problem is in the sending unit, fuse, car circuits, or wire.
Related Guides
*
Automotive Engine Accessories
*
Automotive Fuel Injection Systems
*
Car Air Intakes
*
Car Repair
*
Replacement Parts
