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Coolant temperature

Discussion in 'Problems, Fixes, Tips...' started by Medric, Jul 17, 2019.

  1. Medric

    Medric Copenworld Newbie

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2019
    Location:
    Gwynedd
    Car(s):
    Copen 1.3
    I have just acquired a Copen 1.3 and am hooked already. However the temp guage reads high. It comes up to temp quickly from cold, then sits about ¾ up the gauge, other posts describe the gauge as sitting firmly at the ½ way point. It doesn’t go higher, but the fan is clicking in and out esp. when the air con is on. Is this normal, might the car have the wrong thermostat, might it be a dodgy temp sensor? Any thoughts?
     
  2. Salieri

    Salieri Copenworld Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2012
    Location:
    Germany
    Car(s):
    Used to have a White Copen, but I sold it in 2023
    1. Is there enough coolant in the system?
    2. If the aircon is on, the fans are bound to go on and off periodically to cool the condenser, so that is normal.
    3. Have you tried reading the temperature via an OBD2 reader to get an accurate reading?
     
  3. Planter

    Planter Copenworld Newbie

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2019
    Location:
    UK
    Car(s):
    Copen
    Good advice from Salieri
    Once these basics are known it should be possible to identify if the temp gauge or temperature sender is reading high, or the coolant is running hot.
    Slight challenge in that the ECU will take temperature readings from the temp sender so getting accurate coolant temp if this temp sender is faulty might be challenging. A way around this is to use an K couple temp probe inserted into the coolant stream. Bit of a faff to do, so would do as a secondary stage of diagnostics.

    OBD readers can be obtained for £20 or so off online shops.
     
  4. Salieri

    Salieri Copenworld Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2012
    Location:
    Germany
    Car(s):
    Used to have a White Copen, but I sold it in 2023
    Forgot to add: If you are going 80mph steady on the motorway, the temperature should not exceed 82°C
     
  5. Medric

    Medric Copenworld Newbie

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2019
    Location:
    Gwynedd
    Car(s):
    Copen 1.3
    Thanks Salieri and Planter. Yes the coolant level is fine. I have an ODB reader but assumed temp would come from same sender as the guage. I’ll check anyway. I was thinking i’d fetch the thermostat out and test it in a pan of water as my next step. Thanks for the advice
     
  6. Salieri

    Salieri Copenworld Veteran

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2012
    Location:
    Germany
    Car(s):
    Used to have a White Copen, but I sold it in 2023
    If you take out the thermostat, you might as well replace it. It's like 10 quid
    Yes, the OBD2 readout is the same as the temp gauge, but raw data is better for comparisons
     
  7. BarnsleyRob

    BarnsleyRob Copenworld Veteran

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2017
    Location:
    South Yorks
    Car(s):
    2009/59 silver Copen 1298 cc (now gone to a new home)
    I agree with the fan being a side issue - mine used to run more often than not with a/c on, as it does with my current cars. An easy test is turn a/c off and it’ll be less frequent.

    Sounds like you have a bad sensor (unlikely), bad stat, or more likely water instead of coolant in the tank - most likely if it’s a recent purchase. Coolant is more efficient than the plain tap stuff.
     

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