Temperature Gauge Not Working and Fan Running? Fix Guide

Fast Diagnosis: Gauge, Fan, Sensor, or Coolant?

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The temperature gauge tells you about the engine coolant temperature. A faulty temperature gauge can slow down your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy. How do you troubleshoot a temperature gauge not working and fan running?

A blown fuse and low coolant are common causes that can be diagnosed and fixed easily. Replace the fuse or refill the coolant. However, faulty temperature sensors, coolant fan relays, and broken thermostats can be the reasons for that issue. It will also be helpful if you check for these issues, too.

Let’s stay together and learn how to sort out the cause and fix the issue.

Affiliate picks

Useful Cooling-System Diagnostic Tools To Compare

Use these picks as a starting point for checking live coolant temperature, comparing the gauge reading, and finding simple cooling-system faults before replacing parts.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. Product details can change, so always check the latest price, availability, and specifications on Amazon before buying.

Best cooling diagnosis setup pick

Laser Infrared Thermometer Non-Contact Digital Temperature Gun, -58℉～1112℉(-50℃～600℃) IR Thermometer for Industrial, Kitchen Cooking, Automotive, HVAC (Not for Human Body Temp)

🎁【High Accuracy】 DESOMIYE laser thermometer gun adopts the latest high-sensitivity temperature sensor, which can measure the temperature range of -50°C~600…

Best for: Reading live coolant temperature and trouble codes
Why we picked it: It fits the main buying criteria above and is useful for readers comparing practical options.
Main drawback: A scanner helps diagnose the problem but does not repair the sensor, relay, wiring, or coolant fault.

View Our Pick on Amazon

Compare more cooling-system tools

Option 1

Laser Infrared Thermometer Non-Contact Digital Temperature Gun, -58℉～1112℉(-50℃～600℃) IR Thermometer for Industrial, Kitchen Cooking, Automotive, HVAC (Not for Human Body Temp)

🎁【High Accuracy】 DESOMIYE laser thermometer gun adopts the latest high-sensitivity temperature sensor, which can measure the temperature range of -50°C~600…

• Best for: Reading live coolant temperature and trouble codes
• Why we picked it: It matches this guide’s buying factors and gives readers a practical option to compare.
• Main drawback: A scanner helps diagnose the problem but does not repair the sensor, relay, wiring, or coolant fault.

Check on Amazon

Option 2

Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun 774, Meat Food Candy Oven Thermometer for Griddle Accessories, Heat Gun for Cooking Refrigerator Tools, Adjustable Emissivity & Max Measure, Yellow

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬: Infrared technology allows you to measure various objects at home and outdoors; Use it for 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒕, 𝑫𝑰𝒀 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒚, 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒔, 𝒈𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅, 𝒄𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈…

• Best for: Comparing surface temperature around the thermostat and radiator
• Why we picked it: It matches this guide’s buying factors and gives readers a practical option to compare.
• Main drawback: Infrared readings can be affected by surface material and measurement angle.

Check on Amazon

Option 3

HuGuWdy Antifreeze Tester Automotive, Dial Type Antifreeze Coolant Tester Hydrometer Engine Coolant Anti Freeze Testers Automotive Universal Tool for Car System (Inhalation)

【1. ✅ Pro Guidance & Easy DIY—Save Time & Money! 】：Our professional coolant tester（antifreeze tester automotive） features a smart 2-in-1 design: the front …

• Best for: Checking basic cooling-system condition before repair
• Why we picked it: It matches this guide’s buying factors and gives readers a practical option to compare.
• Main drawback: Always let the engine cool before opening any cooling-system cap.

Check on Amazon

Possible Causes for Temperature Gauge Not Working

Temperature gauge faults may appear in your vehicle due to the reasons below.

• Faulty Temperature Sensor
• Blown Fuse
• Cooling Fan Relay Failure
• Broken Thermostat
• Low Coolant Level

Temperature Gauge Not Working and Fan Running 

Problem 1: Faulty Temperature Sensor

Temperature sensors send the temperature readings to the gauge to show the correct temperature on the dashboard. 

However, if the sensors have a fault, they may fail to monitor temperature properly and send wrong readings. It may show a lower temperature than the actual, damaging your engine if it remains longer.

Solution:

• Turn your vehicle’s engine off to ensure safety.
• Then, look for the temperature sensors, usually mounted near the radiator.
• Once found, disconnect it from the power source.
• Then, remove the sensor using a wrench.
• Check it to ensure the fault; if it is bad, replace it with a compatible sensor.
• Secure the sensor, ensure it is tight enough, and reconnect it to the power source.
• Start the engine and verify that the problem has been fixed. 

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Problem 2: Blown Fuse

The fuse supplies power to the temperature gauge and controls fan movement. But if the fuse is blown, it will not supply power to the gauge; it may give wrong or no reading, and the fan will run continuously.

Solution:

• Open your car’s dashboard and look for the fuse box, usually located in the engine compartment.
• Read the diagram on the fuse box to locate the fuse for the temperature gauge.
• Once located, check it thoroughly; if it is damaged, remove it using pliers.
• Take a new fuse of the same amperage and mount it properly.
• Once done, close the fuse box and dashboard, start the engine, and ensure the issue has been resolved.

Problem 3: Cooling Fan Relay Failure

The cooling fan relay controls the fan’s operations; if it fails, the fan may run continuously. Due to the inconsistent operation of the fan, the temperature gauge may also become inconsistent. You may get the wrong readings on the dashboard.

Solution:

• First, find the cooling fan relay, usually mounted in the fuse box. 
• Once you find the fan relay, remove and inspect it thoroughly to ensure it is okay. If there is physical damage, replace it with a compatible cooling fan relay.
• After relay replacement, test and ensure the problem is removed.

Problem 4: Broken Thermostat

A thermostat maintains the temperature of the engine for safe functioning. If it is broken, it may also affect the temperature gauge’s performance. The temperature gauge may need to provide correct temperature readings.

Solution:

• Turn your car’s engine off to ensure a safe job.
• Then, open your car’s hood and locate the thermostat. In most vehicles, it is usually mounted near the engine’s top. 
• Once found, remove its housing and then remove it. Check the thermostat for physical damage. If it is broken, go for a replacement. 
• Replace it with a new one. I recommend Mishimoto MMTS-JED-06L Racing Thermostat for your car for excellent performance.
• Put the thermostat housing close to the hood and start the engine to check for issues. Make sure the temperature gauge is functioning fine.

Problem 5: Low Coolant Level

One of the typical causes of temperature gauge failure is low coolant levels. A low coolant level may cause engine overheating, which may cause the temperature gauge to send wrong readings on the dashboard. 

Solution:

• Park your car on a level surface and turn the engine off. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool down the engine.
• Open the car’s hood and access the coolant tank.
• Dip the stick and check the coolant level to ensure it is at the recommended level. If it is down, refill the good quality coolant. I recommend PEAK Concentrate Antifreeze and Coolant for good performance.
• Once refilled, close the tank and hood and let the vehicle sit for at least 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, start the engine and ensure the problem is gone.

Temperature Gauge Not Moving

If you are experiencing a temperature gauge moving problem, it can be due to several reasons, such as those given below.

• Low coolant
• Faulty sensor
• Stuck or broken thermostat
• Broken temperature gauge 

Solution

• First, check the coolant level and ensure it is at the recommended level. Refill if needed.
• Next, check for the sensor in the fuse box and ensure it is fine; replace it if there is a fault.
• Also, check the thermostat. It may be broken or stuck; if stuck, remove the issue by repairing it. But you will need a replacement if it is broken.
• Finally, check the temperature gauge and ensure it is not broken. If broken, replace the gauge.

Car Temperature Gauge Stays on Cold and AC Not Working

You may experience that issue for multiple reasons, but the two most common causes of the car temperature gauge staying on cold but the AC not working are given below.

• Low refrigerant level
• Faulty thermostat 

Solution

• First, check the AC refrigerant and ensure it is at the correct level. If the refrigerant level is low, refill it. 
• Next, check the thermostat and ensure it is okay; repair it if its parts are damaged. But if it is broken, you will need a replacement.

Temperature Gauge Stuck on Hot

Your vehicle’s temperature gauge may get stuck on hot due to the reasons below.

• Faulty temperature sensors 
• Engine overheating 

Solution

• First, check for the temperature sensors and ensure they are working fine; replace the faulty sensors.
• Also, check for engine overheating; it may be due to low coolant levels. If the coolant level is low, let your engine cool for 30 minutes and then refill the coolant.

Seeking Professional Help For Complex Issues

Fixing temperature gauge failure is a time-consuming process. You need to follow the above instructions carefully to avoid damage. If you have tried all the above solutions, but the issue persists, call for professional assistance to fix the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Conclusion

A faulty temperature gauge with a running fan can be an alarming issue if not addressed properly. It happens for several problems that need proper diagnosis and then fix. 

But don’t worry; mostly, you can fix it independently, following the above guidelines. However, if the issue persists, consult with an expert or professional for a proper solution.

Cooling-System Parts and Terms That Matter

The key parts in this problem are the engine coolant temperature sensor, sensor connector, fan relay, cooling fan module, thermostat, coolant reservoir, radiator cap, PCM or ECU, instrument cluster, and wiring harness. A scan tool helps separate a real cooling problem from a gauge-display problem because it can show what temperature the computer sees.

Can You Drive If the Gauge Is Dead but the Fan Is Running?

Only drive a short distance if the engine is not overheating, coolant level is safe, there is no steam or sweet coolant smell, and the warning light is off. If the gauge is dead, you cannot rely on the dashboard to protect the engine. Use an OBD2 scanner to read live coolant temperature or have the vehicle inspected before normal driving.