The Car Temperature Gauge Stays Cold – (Causes & How to Fix It)

The car temperature gauge is located on a vehicle’s dashboard. It is designed to show the temperature of the engine coolant. It indicates whether the engine coolant is standard, cold, or overheating. If the temperature gauge shows hot, there is an engine overheating, a leak, or a broken thermostat. And if the reading shows cold, it can be due to damage to the gauge; the thermostat is open or overcooled. Having a cold reading in the temperature gauge is not a severe reading. Let’s is how the car temperature gauge stays cold.

What Should My Car Temperature Gauge Be? 

Any car should be at an average temperature when it comes to the temperature gauge. And the average temperature for an operating engine range between 195-220 degrees Fahrenheit. Some have the range as cold, normal, and hot, while some have their needle pointed at or near the center in average temperature.

The new vehicles do not have a temperature gauge; instead, they have a warning light system with a blue glow indicating the engine is cold. The engine light will turn off when it reaches normal temperature.

The Car Temperature Gauge Stays Cold. Why?

There are several reasons for a car’s temperature to stay cold. Sometimes it’s normal to have a cold indication, and many other times, it indicates some problem. Let’s see why it stays cold.

• A Break in the Wiring

Suppose the car has a separate gauge sensor for temperature, where there are two sensors. The problem can be the wires or ohm sensor from the cluster connector. If only one sensor, it can be between the gauge and the ECU. 

• Fault in the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

Some cars have one sensor for both engine control and gauge. And other cars have two separate sensors, one for coolant and the other for engine control. So, when there is a fault or malfunction in the sensors, it may show cold.

• Corroded Plug Connectors

Sometimes corrosion in the connectors can show the coolant temperature to cold. Cleaning the 3 connectors by spraying an electronic cleaner can help fix them.

• Fault in the Gauge or Cluster

Always check for other problems first before checking the cluster or gauge. As having problems with it is seldom seen. Replacing a damaged cluster is very expensive and frequently requires programming after replacement.

• A Damaged Thermostat

A thermostat limits or restricts the coolant flowing into the radiator. If it ever gets stuck or is left wide open, the temperature cannot reach its maximum, leaving the coolant temperature cold.

Can I Drive If My Temperature Gauge is Cold?

It is usually normal for the temperature gauge to be cold for a few minutes once the car is started. And sometimes, it might take time for the temperature to reach the standard expected, especially in icy weather conditions. So, one can usually drive in cold temperatures as long as it doesn’t reach extreme cold. It is recommended to let the engine warm up a little before one drive it. A too-cold engine will have difficulty accelerating and stalling the vehicle while driving.

What Does It Mean When the Temperature Gauge Doesn’t Move?

A common reason to have a temperature gauge that doesn’t move is a broken coolant temperature sensor near the vehicle’s thermostat by the radiator. Another reason can be a malfunctioning thermostat. The thermostat manages the coolant flow to and from the radiator to the engine. This sometimes gets stuck in the open or close. This can leave the gauge unmoving.

Sometimes when the air seeks into the radiator hose, air pools near the thermostat or temperature sensor show a faulty reading or sometimes not. Another uncommon reason is a faulty instrument cluster keeping the gauge stuck. And sometimes, it’s better to check the engine light because if the car computer ever senses an issue, it may trigger the engine light.

How to Reset the Temperature Gauge in a Car?

The gauge helps the engine computer to set a proper fuel-to-air mixture for the engine’s longevity and fuel consumption. There are a few steps to fix a coolant temperature sensor/ gauge.

1. Check whether the CTS provides you with the current readings using the OBD2 scanner. And if the reading doesn’t show right, the gauge will need to be replaced.
2. After letting the car cool for 15-20 minutes, lift the front end and remove the radiator cap.
3. Drain the radiator and disconnect the wiring connector in the temperature sensor.
4. Then remove the temperature sensor and install a new one. 
5. Once done, secure the coolant plugs after reconnecting the wire connector.
6. Now add the coolant, close the tank cap, lower the car bonnet, and start the engine.
7. Now it’s time to see if the reading is correct and if the coolant level has stayed the same.

How Can you Tell If your Thermostat is Blocked?

. Many factors can indicate a thermostat has failed or is blocked.

1. Quick Changes in the Temperature

When a thermostat fails, the temperature gauge needle will spike and drop, fluctuating. This will lead to overcooling and overheating as the thermostat gets stuck open.

1. Show a High-temperature Reading

If the thermostat is blocked, the engine will start overheating. This happens when the valves are stuck in a closed position, leading to a damaged engine. Here the coolant will not be able to flow.

1. An Increase in Fuel Consumption

Sometimes an increased fuel consumption can be an indicator for thermostat blocks because a blocked thermostat creates overheating and overcooling in the engine. This results in an increase in fuel consumption and emissions.

1. A Leaked Coolant

If the coolant leaks out of the thermostat housing and under the vehicle, it indicates a block. This allows the air to seep into the system, causing a fluid imbalance.

1. Making Strange Noises

If you notice any strange noise in the engine or the vibrator, it will show a block. The noise can be a rumbling, knocking, or gurgling sound caused by a stuck valve or a worn and torn thermostat.

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