6 Signs of a Failing Temperature Sensor

Cars have thousands of components, and a lit check engine light only tells you when something is wrong, not what it is or how to fix it. If your car’s check engine light is on, it could be a sign of many different issues, including a failing temperature sensor. Keep an eye out for these six signs of a failing temperature sensor.

temperature sensor showing temperature of car engine

1. More Fuel Consumption

When your car’s temperature sensor doesn’t work, the ECU can think the engine is cold even when it’s hot. Then, it will feed more fuel into the engine, making your car less efficient and wasting fuel. If you find yourself filling up more often, a bad temperature sensor may be behind it.

2. Black Smoke in the Exhaust Pipe

The same faulty readings will interfere with the ECU’s ability to create the right air-fuel mixture. Too much fuel in the mixture will lead to poor combustion and black smoke coming out of the tailpipe.

3. Overheating Engine

When your ECU can’t read the temperature from the sensor, it won’t know when the engine needs to be cooled. Without that step, the engine will overheat and start to damage the head gasket, engine block, or cylinder head.

4. Engine That Doesn’t Start

Sometimes, your temperature sensor can fail by reading too-high temperatures. If the sensor tells your ECU that the engine is too hot, your car may not even start or will have an erratic start performance.

5. Check Engine Light

When the temperature sensor starts to fail, your check engine light will come on. This may be the first sign of a problem, so it won’t be immediately obvious what the problem is or that it’s really a problem. But it’s important to not ignore the light—instead, schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

6. Leaking Coolant

Improper temperature readings can put the coolant system under excessive pressure levels. Over time, that excess pressure will cause the gaskets to leak.

Repair Failing Temperature Sensor at Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers

Don’t wait for black smoke or a damaged engine block to bring your car in for repairs. Schedule an engine repair service appointment with Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers for a full assessment and quality repairs.