How do I know if my Chevy Cruze thermostat is bad?

How to Determine if Your Chevy Cruze Thermostat is Bad
If you suspect that your Chevy Cruze thermostat is bad, there are several symptoms you can look out for. Here are some common signs that indicate a faulty thermostat:
1. Overheating: One of the most common symptoms of a bad thermostat is the car overheating. If you notice that your engine temperature is consistently higher than normal or if you see the temperature gauge reaching the red zone, it could be a sign of a malfunctioning thermostat.
2. Coolant Smell: Another symptom of a bad thermostat is a coolant smell coming from the engine. Antifreeze used in the coolant system has a distinct sweet smell, and if you notice this smell along with overheating, it could indicate a faulty thermostat.
3. No Heat: If you’re experiencing a lack of heat inside the cabin, it could be due to a bad thermostat. The thermostat regulates the flow of coolant to the heater core, which is responsible for providing heat to the interior of the vehicle. If the thermostat is stuck open, it may prevent the engine from reaching the proper operating temperature, resulting in no heat.
4. Fluctuating Temperature Gauge: A malfunctioning thermostat can cause the temperature gauge to fluctuate erratically. You may notice the gauge going from hot to cold or vice versa, indicating an issue with the thermostat.
5. Check Engine Light: In some cases, a bad thermostat can trigger the check engine light to illuminate on the dashboard. This is because the engine control unit (ECU) monitors the engine temperature and can detect abnormalities caused by a faulty thermostat.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other failed coolant system components, such as a water pump or a leaky radiator. If you’re unsure about the condition of your thermostat or if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s recommended to have your car inspected by a certified professional.
Remember, the thermostat is a relatively affordable repair, and ignoring a bad thermostat can lead to more costly issues in the long run.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

How do you test a car thermostat without removing it?

There are several ways to check the health of your car’s thermostat and you don’t necessarily have to remove it: observing the coolant flow or measuring the temperature of the upper and lower radiator hoses with an infrared thermometer. Check if the thermostat is stuck closed.

How do I know if I need a new thermostat?

7 Signs You Need to Replace Your Thermostat

1. Your HVAC Keeps Turning On or Off.
2. Faulty Thermostat Readings.
3. Suspiciously High Energy Bills.
4. Constant Temperature Shifts.
5. Thermostat Is Too Old.
6. Thermostat Fails to Respond to Changed Settings.
7. Your HVAC System Short Cycles.

What happens if you drive with a stuck thermostat?

If it’s stuck open, the engine might never reach its optimal temperature, leading to reduced performance and fuel efficiency. If it’s stuck closed, the coolant can’t circulate, causing the engine to overheat, which can lead to severe engine damage.

Can you look at a car thermostat and tell if its bad?

Look at the needle on the thermostat gauge and see whether it moves slowly before it stops before the normal point on the gauge. If this is the case, then crank up the heater to see if it blows hot or cold air. If it blows cold air, then most likely the thermostat is broken.

What happens when the thermostat in a car goes bad?

Overheating is the most common symptom of a failing thermostat. Due to corrosion or aging, your car’s thermostat can get stuck in a closed position. If this happens, the thermostat will not let the coolant reach the radiator, and, as mentioned above, the engine will overheat, causing severe damage.

How do I test my thermostat?

Standard thermostats: Enlist a friend or family member to assist, Position one person by the thermostat and one person by the furnace. Slowly turn the thermostat from off to heat and increase the temperature. Both the thermostat and furnace should make a sound.

How do I check if my thermostat is working?

When you set the thermostat above or below the current room temperature, you should hear a click, and the AC or furnace should kick on almost immediately. If you make changes at the thermostat and nothing happens, that’s the first sign you have a bad thermostat.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?

Watch for These 9 Signs of a Thermostat Going Bad

• The screen is dead.
• The actual temperature doesn’t match the display.
• Your AC or heater is stuck on.
• Your heating and cooling won’t turn on.
• Your HVAC is short cycling.
• Scheduled settings stop working.
• Nothing happens when you adjust the settings.
• Temperatures shift.

How do you tell if a thermostat is stuck closed?

If you see the coolant flowing through the radiator, then the thermostat opened and is working properly. If not, then it is most likely stuck closed. If you can’t tell if the coolant in the radiator is flowing, shine a flashlight inside so you can see it better.

How do I know I need a new thermostat in my car?

The way to tell if your thermostat is working, is to squeeze the upper radiator hose while it is hot, if it stays hard, and is not pliable. Your thermostat is stuck, and needs replacing.