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Month: September 2021

Volkswagen Coolant Temperature Sensor

Typical Causes of CTS Failure in Your Volkswagen

Volkswagens are very popular for their affordability while still being high-quality, reliable vehicles. There are many accounts of owners reaching the fabled heights of half a million or more miles. This does not happen by accident. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you. One issue that does come up is failure of the coolant temperature sensor. Although common in all cars, an issue with this component is dangerous because it can be difficult to spot and fix on your own.

How does the coolant system work in your vehicle?

Every car has a coolant system, and it does exactly what the name sounds like. To run properly, the engine must run liquid coolant throughout the engine block to keep temperatures manageable while the vehicle is operating.

While driving, demands in performance fluctuate, such as when driving uphill or accelerating quickly. The only way the engine knows how to regulate the cooling process is if the coolant temperature sensor is functioning properly.

Common Problems with the Coolant Temperature Sensor

There are ways this crucial but unfortunately-fragile part can experience issues that will lead to other, far more expensive problems if not dealt with:

  • Power loss through the electrical connection: An achilles heel of cars is the fact that even if the coolant temperature sensor and the car’s battery are operating perfectly, the wiring in between can still lead to problems. Making sure there are not frayed or damaged wires is an easy way to ensure all the cars electrical components are functioning properly.
  • Broken sensor: If the sensor itself is damaged, it will be noticed right away because you’ll no longer see a reading of the temperature inside the engine block. This could be due to other issues, but checking the sensor itself is a good place to start. If it is broken, it needs to be replaced by a trusted mechanic.
  • The car battery: As discussed above, this can be a destructive problem because many symptoms could point to or come from a faulty coolant temperature sensor. If the check-engine light is coming on or other electrical components, including the engine temperature, are not showing up properly on the gauge on your dashboard, it could mean their power source is malfunctioning.

If any of these symptoms are happening in your car, especially in a Jetta (a common problem with this particular model), it is important to stop into our shop for a proper diagnostic test of the problem.

Although a sensor is a small part, this problem is so easy and inexpensive to repair. Do not put this off since there is a significant risk of other more threatening problems developing if it is left to fester.

If the engine is running hot without the driver knowing, you can quickly be looking at a significant amount of money spent replacing many more parts. A reputable dealer who works with Volkswagens and knows what they are looking for will have this problem fixed quickly and efficiently. They will have you back on the road worry-free.

Volkswagen Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure Typical Causes

Euro Plus Automotive is Here for Your Volkswagen

Ideally, during routine maintenance and inspection, issues will be found far before it is a problem. Volkswagen Coolant Temperature Sensor Failure Fix Difficulty measuring the engine’s temperature is the first sign of a potential problem. However, the good news is that this regular maintenance can easily stem the issue by spotting these small problems before they become big ones. Bring your Volkswagen to a certified mechanic to ensure all your sensors and electrical components are running properly.

Here at Euro Plus Automotive of Los Angeles, we have you covered and make sure your Volkswagen keeps running smoothly for years to come. We specialize in European makes and are focused on the specific and unique needs these brands have. Your vehicle will be worked on by expert mechanics accredited by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. We are both a Bosch and Better Business Bureau certified service center.

Stop by one of our four convenient locations in the Los Angeles area including Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, and greater Los Angeles County, CA to speak with a certified technician today to keep your car in top condition.

Mercedes Thermostat

Steps to Replace a Malfunctioning Thermostat in a Mercedes in Canoga Park

Before learning how to fix your engine’s thermostat, you must first know what it is and does. It’s a valve in your cooling system that opens and closes. Your car’s thermostat is vital in keeping your engine running safely. It works to maintain the proper temperature for the engine by ensuring coolant is used when necessary.

Coolant prevents your engine from overheating and causing many more issues. It is very important you keep a close eye on your thermostat to catch any problems before it is too late.

Identifying the Malfunction

One of the most obvious indicators of a problem with the thermostat will be found on the dashboard gauge. The gauge temperature could remain high for an extended period of time, which would indicate that your engine is running too hot.

If your thermostat gauge is erratic, such as it’s high then low then average, the gauge could be faulty or your engine could be reacting to extreme temperatures due to several reasons. If you notice something wrong with the thermostat, pull your car over and give it time to cool down.  You may even want a tow to your nearest trusted Mercedes service center.

One of the next things you should look for is any leaks under the car to source out if you have a coolant leak. The color of coolant is usually bright, likely a shade of green or pink, and it will have a sweet smell to it. Leaking coolant will make it easier for the engine to overheat and break down. Not only that, but you could run out of coolant completely and your engine can seize. Without coolant, the parts in your engine can melt and warp. Your engine could need an entire rebuild or you might even need a new Mercedes if the damage is too catastrophic.

If you do not see any leaks, you can look at the thermostat valve, directly. You will find it under the hood of your car between the engine and radiator hose. The valve could be open or closed, each indicating something completely different. If it’s stuck open, this means coolant never stops entering the radiator, which would overcool the engine. If that occurs, your car will use more fuel, release more emissions, and could damage engine parts.

On the other hand, the valve could be stuck closed. If it’s unable to open, the coolant cannot reach the radiator. As we’ve already discussed, lack of coolant can cause your car to overheat and become destroyed.

Fixing the Problem

As stated earlier, the first thing to do is pull over and give it a break. Let the car cool down as you figure out how you’re going to deal with the problem. While going to a shop isn’t your only option, it’s certainly the best one. If you’re familiar with cars, and have experience working on them, perhaps you can replace the thermostat yourself. Otherwise, this issue poses too many risks to be done improperly. Please do not attempt the method below if you are not 100% capable.

You want to start by locating the thermostat, again, located between the radiator hose and engine. The first step to take is to pull out the drain plug, allowing the coolant to drain properly. Then loosen the clamp on the hose, take off the bolts, and unplug the connector from the sensor. Once that is completed, remove the thermostat from the engine block and install your new one in reverse order. Once you’ve tightened the bolts and connected the radiator hose, don’t forget to add the coolant.

Mercedes Thermostat Replacement Steps

Let Euro Plus Automotive Help You

Here at Euro Plus Automotive, we are extremely dedicated to Mercedes Thermostat Replacement helping with whatever problems your car is facing. We’ve been open since 1984 with over 30 years of experience working on both German and Japanese vehicles. Our employees are ASE certified technicians who are trained to work on your specific make and model. This means only a brand expert would be working on your Mercedes, ensuring the best possible repairs and service at an affordable rate.

If you’re in need of services, call or stop by Euro Plus Automotive. We are located in Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County, CA. Put your trust in us, and we can help you prevent further problems with your Mercedes.

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