- posted
20 years ago
Therostat/Check Engine Light
- Vote on answer
- posted
20 years ago
The temperature gauge is not linear. If the engine temperature is anywhere near normal, it stays in the center, just so customers don't get too exited about fluctuating engine temperatures. If it is reading abnormally, the temperature is a long way from optimum. The fuel ECU expects the engine to warm up in a fixed amount of time. If it doesn't, (as when the thermostat is stuck open) it sets a code regarding the engine temperature sensor, and turns on the check engine light. Most garages change the sensor and thermostat at this point to avoid comebacks, but 99.9% of the time, only the thermostat is needed.