Beautiful morning; you start your car as usual but find that something has gone wrong – the car temp gauge fluctuates at idle out of control!
So, what caused this problem, and how to fix it most effectively?
Don’t worry, because this article is here to solve all your problems.
Besides providing useful information regarding the temperature gauge, my article also covers the main causes of fluctuation at idle and the most effective methods of dealing with it.
What Is The Temperature Gauge?
The car temperature gauge is usually integrated above the dashboard to determine the temperature of the vehicle’s engine coolant.
Normally, the ideal temperature ranges from 195 to 220 degrees.
If the hand of the meter does not point to the center of the gauge, it means your vehicle’s coolant is cold or overheating.
It is not a sign that the cooling system is having problems because sometimes extreme weather can also affect your thermometer readings.
Temp Gauge Fluctuates At Idle- Main Causes
If your car temperature gauge fluctuates at idle, something bad may have happened to the components inside the cooling system, such as the radiator fan, head gasket, or water pump.
For more specific insight, scroll down to the list of the main causes of the engine temp gauge fluctuating at idle below.
Stuck-Closed Thermostat
The correct coolant temperature thermostat regulates this system to operate in ideal conditions.
When stuck, the coolant is not allowed to enter the engine, resulting in long-term thermal overload.
If the thermostat is only partially stuck, you will notice a sudden drop in the car’s temperature.
The main cause of this phenomenon is that the coolant constantly enters the engine, causing the temperature in this part to drop continuously.
Vehicles manufactured after 1980 mostly provide closed circuit cooling systems and marked reservoirs for coolant level determination.
It is best to regularly check the level of this solution to detect abnormal fluctuations promptly.
Overheated Engine
When the engine reaches a temperature of 230 degrees F or higher, it is considered to be thermally overloaded.
In particular, engine temperatures exceeding 245 degrees F will cause serious damage to your engine.
If the car does not start, it may be because the engine is too hot and the coolant level drops below the specified level.
In addition, engine thermal overload can decrease the pressure required to start the vehicle.
Bad Head Gasket
A faulty head gasket can also cause the sudden rise and fall of the car’s temperature gauge. This unit is located between the cylinder and the engine, monitoring the combustion process.
Besides, it also helps oil and coolant to circulate easily throughout the entire engine system.
Engine overheating causes the head gasket to warp and create a mixture of oil and coolant.
Oil in the coolant flowing around the radiator and engine can lead to a build-up of deposits that block the flow.
Vehicles that fail this part will not last longer than 1 month because of serious damage.
If you notice an unusual amount of coolant loss (no leaks) and white smoke coming out of the exhaust, check the head gasket immediately.
Radiator Problem
The radiator is responsible for regulating the temperature of the coolant system, which regulates the ideal engine temperature.
Over time, dirt and deposits form in the radiator, causing the radiator to become clogged and damaged.
The sign of a bad radiator is that the coolant turns from yellow to rusty brown.
At the same time, the quality of this coolant is also noticeably worse, resulting in the engine getting hotter more often.
The radiator cap can also sometimes be a problem, as not sealing it properly allows air to enter the system.
Airbags in the radiator hose and heater core cause the engine to heat up abnormally, resulting in the car temperature gauge fluctuating at idle.
Check the radiator cap first if your vehicle’s symptoms include a coolant leakage, a flat radiator hose, and a spilled coolant reservoir.
Faulty Cooling System
The normal temperature gauge increases, but your feeling shows that the car is not too hot, which could indicate a faulty cooling system.
If this problem is not detected in time, overheating can lead to warping of the cylinder head and distortion of the head gasket, which makes the car unable to start.
Bad Water Pump
The corrosive build-up is the leading cause of coolant leaks inside the water pump. Besides, it can also lead to damage to the impeller or the bearing of the pump.
If you suspect a problem with this part, check the connection to the heatsink. Improper and loose links can also lead to coolant-level leaks.
Worn Drive Belt
Regardless of the type of drive belt your vehicle has built-in, once it slips out of place, it causes the water pump to fail and the temperature gauge readings to be inaccurate.
Some common reasons for a worn drive belt include:
- The outer surface of the belt is glazed
- The inner surface of the belt is damaged
- Worn belt leads to over tension
- Loose belt
- The belt is oiled
Lousy Radiator Fan
The radiator fan is located close to the water tank, responsible for generating wind to cool the engine.
Once this part has a problem, it works less efficiently and is less stable than usual.
Your car’s engine is not receiving the desired heat dissipation, which can lead to thermal overload and engine temp fluctuating at idle.
How To Solve If My Car Temp Gauge Fluctuates At Idle?
When your temp gauge always fluctuates at idle, the first task is to identify the source of the cause.
Once the culprit has been identified, you must assess the severity and choose the appropriate remedial method.
So, what should I do if my temperature keeps fluctuating at idle? If you don’t know where to start the repair, here are the 3 most common methods you should refer to.
Method 1: Replacing With A New Thermostat Valve
Thermostats are very fragile and cause instability of the car temperature gauge. Fortunately, this inexpensive part can be replaced easily, even at home, if you follow the steps below.
Turn off the engine and let your car rest for about 15 minutes. Then look for the thermostat’s location, usually at the top or base of the car’s radiator. Lift the car and remove the radiator cap.
You need to drain all the water from the radiator, then remove it and try dipping it inside a basin of hot water.
If it remains closed, it’s best to replace it with a new one, reinstall it and check if the temperature gauge’s condition improves.
Method 2: Replacing A New Coolant Temperature Sensor
The coolant temp sensor (CTS) is usually next to the radiator. Typically, this product replacement cost will range from $145 to $195 (including new product and labor costs).
But if you do the replacement at home, it will only cost you $65 to $90!
Use the OBD2 scanner to determine if the CTS is still active. Otherwise, let the vehicle rest for 20 minutes and raise the front of the vehicle.
It would be best if you opened the radiator cap, drained the coolant in the radiator, and disconnected the CTS wire connector.
Remove the damaged temperature sensor and replace it with a new product.
Reconnect the necessary wiring connections; your motor should be working properly again.
Method 3: Diagnosing Air In The Car’s Coolant System
The cooling system consists of quite a few parts and pipes. When a component fails, air will enter the interior to form air pockets inside the radiator, disrupting the stability of engine temperature.
In this situation, you must open the bonnet, jack your car up and remove the radiator. Try starting the vehicle and pay attention to the coolant circulation inside the radiator and the engine.
After about 20 minutes, the air trapped inside will be pushed out completely. Close the radiator cap, lower the car, and check if your vehicle is working properly.
FAQS
Is It Normal For The Temperature Gauge To Fluctuate?
No! The timing agent very rarely damages the car’s temperature gauge.
Therefore, any problems with this part are worthy of attention, as it is a sign that the components inside or around the cooling system are having serious issues.
Why Is My Car Temp Gauge Fluctuating But Not Overheating?
The fact that the readings on the temperature gauge increase but the vehicle temperature stays the same is a sign of a problem with the temperature sensor, engine control unit, connector, wiring, or temperature gauge.
Take your car to the nearest repair center, and the professional mechanics there will tell you the source of the trouble.
How Do You Know If Your Thermostat Is Correct?
The car’s temperature gauge can accurately determine its temperature if it’s completely “healthy.”
Usually, you can confirm this through maintenance or how you feel about the difference between the temperature in the car and the readings displayed on the gauge.
Some Last Words
If your car’s temp gauge fluctuates at idle one day, it’s a signal that something bad has happened in the cooling system area.
Through this article, you will calm down and determine the right cause and how to fix the problem most effectively.
Regular maintenance and inspection of your four-wheeler friend are key to avoiding trouble on the road. Good luck!