About Electronically Controlled Thermostats:
Electronically controlled thermostats or MAP thermostats are designed as a more efficient way to monitor and control the temperature of your engine. Normal engine thermostats only monitor the engines coolant temperature and give the information to the cars computer. As well as monitoring the engines temperature, electronically controlled thermostats are able to control the engines temperatures. These temperature sensors are far more efficient at monitoring and controlling engine temperature, as they can prevent bursts of cool coolant from the radiator or hot coolant from the engine. This means they keep the engine at a more stable temperature. Electronically controlled thermostats are only found in a small range of vehicle brands including Audi, BMW, Ford, ‘General Motor’ Cars, Volvo, and Volkswagen.
How do Electronically controlled thermostats work?
Most thermostats have a plate that is usually down. Underneath this plate is a brass chamber full of wax which expands when heated. As the engine heats up coolant flows around this brass chamber. As the coolant heats up from the engine, it causes the wax in the brass chamber to expand. The expanding wax pushes a piston and moves the plate which is connected to the thermostat. Electronically controlled thermostats work the same way, except they can control the temperature of the wax. They do this by using heating coils around the wax chamber.
How serious is a damaged Electronically Controlled Thermostat:
Like normal temperature sensors, if an electronically controlled thermostat is broken, it could lead to the engine not being cooled properly and overheating and getting damaged. Electronically controlled thermostats are very important to maintain your engines optimal temperature and should be replaced immediately if they are damaged. If an electronically controlled thermostat fails a fault code will be logged and the check engine light will turn on.
Symptoms of a Broken Thermostat:
- Overheating engine – The most common symptom of a broken thermostat is an engine that overheats quickly or frequently. This occurs when the thermostat fails to open, restricting the flow of coolant through the engine.
- Car heater not blowing warm air – A thermostat that is stuck open can also prevent the heater from working correctly, as the engine may not reach the proper temperature to generate heat.
- Reduced engine performance – If the thermostat is stuck open, excess amounts of coolant will enter the engine, causing it to underperform. This leads to reduced power and increased fuel economy.
A broken thermostat can cause significant damage to your engine if left untreated, resulting in very exdpensive repairs. For this reason, we recommend getting your car examined by a mechanic immediately if you suspect it is not working.
Causes of a faulty Electronically Controlled Thermostat:
- Damage to mechanical sensor parts: Electronically controlled thermostats can fail if the spring, plate or other mechanical parts fail. This can happen if they get rusty or corroded.
- Old Wax: Old or damaged wax will cause the temperature readings to be incorrect.
Electronically Controlled Thermostat replacements in Hamilton:
If you’re car has an electronically controlled thermostat, the reliable team at Grimmer Motors will be able to replace any faulty thermostats. We can also replace normal thermostats and temperature sensors, and any diagnostics you may need.
For all Electronically Controlled Thermostat diagnostics or replacements in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!