If you’re like most people, you use your car heater in the winter to keep yourself warm. Unfortunately, if your car’s temperature sensor is bad, the heater might actually be doing more harm than good. In this article, we’ll explain how a bad temperature sensor can cause your car heater to heat up faster and increase your risk of getting a cold.
What is a Temperature Sensor?
A temperature sensor is a component found in many cars that monitors the internal temperature of the car. If the temperature inside the car falls below a certain threshold, the car’s heater will turn on to help warm up the car. However, if the temperature inside the car rises too high, the car’s heater may turn off, in order to prevent damage.
What Causes a Bad Temperature Sensor?
A bad temperature sensor can cause your car heater to work harder, making it more expensive to run. The sensor registers the car’s engine temperature and sends a signal to the car’s control unit. If the sensor is defective, the control unit will override the normal heating procedure and allow the engine to run at a higher temperature.
How to Fix a Bad Temperature Sensor
If your car heater is turning on and off too often, the most likely culprit is a bad temperature sensor. Here’s how to fix it:
1. Remove the cover of the temperature sensor. There are usually several Phillips screws holding the cover in place. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove them.
2. Check the wiring connection of the sensor to the car’s electrical system. Look for corrosion or damaged insulation, which could indicate a problem with the sensor’s signal transmission. If necessary, replace the wire connector with a quality one from a parts store.
3. Reconnect the wiring and reattach the cover, ensuring that all screws are reinstalled properly.
4. Test the sensor by turning on the car engine and observing whether or not the heater turns on as expected. If it does not, there may be something wrong with the wiring or connector and you’ll need to replace both components.
Conclusion
There are a few potential reasons why your car heater might be getting hotter than it should. A bad temperature sensor could cause the car’s thermostat to open up the heater more frequently in order to maintain a comfortable temperature, or it could just make the system work harder overall. If you’re having trouble keeping your car’s heater at a comfortable temperature, there are some simple steps that you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue.