3 Problems Caused by a Faulty Thermostat – Troubleshooting Tips

If your thermostat is acting up, a few quick troubleshooting tips may get it working as expected again. It could be a simple as needing its batteries changed, a reset after a power outage or cleaning away accumulated dirt.

Check first to see that the thermostat is getting power, checking the battery, fuse and breaker. Then remove the cover and clean it with canned air or a soft artist brush to remove accumulated dust and grime.

1. Overheating

If your thermostat is faulty, it may stay stuck open and allow coolant to flow into the engine even when your vehicle is not operating. According to Accurate Auto, this can cause the engine to overheat. You can usually tell if this is the case by checking your car’s temperature gauge and seeing the needle rise to a dangerously high level. You may also notice the overheating smell and hear rumbling sounds coming from the radiator area, which means that the coolant is boiling.

If you have a digital thermostat, one of the first signs that the device is failing is when the screen goes completely blank. If this happens, you can try changing the batteries. This is the easiest and quickest troubleshooting step to take. If the new batteries don’t fix the issue, you should check for a tripped circuit breaker or fuse that is supplying power to the thermostat. You should be able to locate the breaker box in your home and look for any switches that have been flipped to the off position.

If the problem is not with the breaker, you should check for loose or frayed wires that could be the source of the issue. Working around electrical components can be dangerous, so it is best left to a professional.

2. Unresponsiveness

A thermostat is responsible for allowing coolant to flow through the engine, maintaining proper temperature and protecting against overheating. But this simple device isn’t impervious to wear and tear, and it can be damaged by improper mixing of different types of coolant, which produces thick sludge that gums up the internal spring. This leads to a loss of expansion pressure and the inability of the thermostat to open and allow coolant to flow.

If your programmable thermostat loses its settings and fails to follow your schedule, this is a clear sign that it’s time for a replacement. You can try changing the batteries, but if it still doesn’t respond to your commands, you should call an expert.

Another common sign that your thermostat is failing is a display that’s dark or blank. A dark screen could mean that the thermostat is no longer receiving power, or it may simply need fresh batteries. If you can’t change the batteries, you can remove the thermostat cover and make sure the wires are firmly attached to the mounting screw. You can also gently brush the inside of the thermostat and use compressed air to clean it (be sure to cut power to the circuit and remove the batteries before doing this). This can help improve its functionality.

3. Strange Sounds

If you notice a rumbling sound or other bizarre noises coming from your thermostat, it is time to call a professional. These sounds are signs that your thermostat is leaking coolant. This may be because of a bad gasket or other internal problems. The coolant leakage will cause the engine to overheat and could damage other parts of the car, such as the radiator or transmission.

Other sounds that indicate a problem with your thermostat include clicking, buzzing, humming, and rattling. Clicking is often caused by the thermostat relays switching your heating or cooling system on and off. Buzzing and humming noises are often the result of loose wiring or failing transformers. They can also be caused by electrical interference from nearby electronic devices or appliances.

If your thermostat is making strange sounds, turn off the power to it by turning off the breaker or removing the fuse. Then, carefully remove the thermostat cover and inspect the wiring connections for any signs of looseness or corrosion. If necessary, use a screwdriver to tighten any connections and replace the cover. You should also check for any tripped safety switches near your thermostat. Resetting the breakers or replacing the fuses may fix the issue, but if you see this problem repeatedly, you should contact a professional for help.