Why does the temperature on my car keep going up and down?

Why does the temperature on my car keep going up and down?

The primary reason your car temperature gauge goes up and down while driving is simply because a component in your cooling system is not functioning correctly. This could be the thermostat valve, radiator hoses, radiator fan, the temperature gauge, or the coolant itself that circulates around cools off the engine.

What can cause a car to run hot but not overheating?

If you find that you’ve got a car running hot but not overheating there might be a few reasons: Clogged or damaged radiator. Low coolant level. Damaged water pump or thermostat.

What causes an engine to run hotter than normal?

The most common reasons why a car runs hotter than usual are low coolant levels, a faulty engine thermostat, and a faulty or leaking water pump. If there isn’t enough coolant in the engine, or if the water pump is not pumping it around as well as it should, then the engine will run hotter than usual.

What are the symptoms of a bad engine thermostat?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Thermostat

• Temperature gauge reading very high and engine overheating.
• Temperature changing erratically.
• Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing or under the vehicle.

What causes fluctuating body temperature?

Your Temperature Naturally Fluctuates Your body temperature doesn’t remain constant, however, it fluctuates according to your circadian rhythm. Generally, this means your body temperature is at its lowest a few hours before you wake and its highest an hour or two before bed.

Can a bad temp sensor cause overheating?

The temperature sensor can fail in a way that causes it to send a permanently hot signal. This can cause the computer to over compensate for a lean signal, which can lead to overheating and even engine ping.

What are the signs of a stuck thermostat?

Symptoms When the Thermostat Is Stuck Open

• Low Engine Temperature. If your car is running unusually cool and not building up any heat in the engine, it’s likely that your thermostat is stuck open and is letting too much coolant through.
• No Heater.
• Reduced Fuel Economy.