What does the Check Engine light on a thermostat mean?
What does the Check Engine light on a thermostat mean?
In modern cars, the operation of the thermostat is monitored by the engine computer (PCM). In most cases, if a thermostat is stuck closed or open, the Check Engine light would come on. Most common Check Engine light codes related to a thermostat are P0128 and P0126.
What happens when your car thermostat is stuck?
When your thermostat does not respond properly to the temperature conditions in your cooling system, you can have a problem. The most noticeable issues occur when the thermostat gets stuck in either the open or closed position. A malfunction can result in a trouble code, generated by the engine’s computer, which can turn on your check engine light.
Why does the thermostat open when the coolant is cold?
A heat-sensitive element controls the operation of this valve. It stays closed when your coolant is cold, letting it get warmed more quickly by the heat of the engine. The thermostat opens when the coolant is hot enough, allowing it to flow through the radiator and give up its heat.
When to replace the thermostat in your car?
It’s a good practice to replace the thermostat whenever the cooling system is serviced or opened for any reason, like replacing the water pump or radiator. If your vehicle has a map-controlled thermostat, with a trouble code thrown by the engine computer, track down the cause with a code reader.
Why does the Check Engine light come back on after replacing the thermostat?
His reader indicated it was a thermostat problem. I just want to know why the check engine light came back on after the thermostat was already replaced. If the check engine light is coming on and a code like P1217 is in the computer then the computer is seeing an overheat conditions from the coolant sensor telling it your engine is overheating.
How does the thermostat in a car work?
Your thermostat keeps the car’s coolant at the temperature that’s optimal for your engine. The thermostat helps your engine warm up quickly on a cold morning and helps prevent overheating. The thermostat in your car is a valve that controls the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator.
What causes coolant level to go below the thermostat?
Common causes include: – Faulty or sticky thermostat. – Thermostat seal is not sealing properly allowing coolant to bypass a closed thermostat. – Faulty engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. – Engine computer (PCM) software needs to be updated. – Low coolant level. – Radiator fan does not turn off.
What to do when your engine thermostat is stuck?
When an engine is cold, the thermostat should be closed, thus bypassing the radiator. Warm (not hot!) engine test: Open hood and remove radiator cap. Start engine. Observe coolant action. It should be swirling vigorously. When an engine is warm, the thermostat is in the open position.
