Renault Modus temperature gauge issue

My 2004 Renault Modus with a gasoline engine is acting up. The temp gauge is all over the place, the check engine light's on, and it takes forever to warm up. I suspect something's blocking the cooling grille, but I can't see anything obvious.

4 comment(s)

I have a Modus too. I had similar symptoms a while back. Did you check the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor readings via an OBD2 scanner? A faulty sensor can cause the ECU to misinterpret the engine temperature, leading to longer warm-up times and inaccurate gauge readings. Also, have you inspected the thermostat? A failing thermostat stuck in the open position can prevent the engine from reaching optimal operating temperature.

I don't have a scanner, and honestly, I wouldn't know where to start with the thermostat. Is there an easy way to check if the grille is actually blocked?

Visually inspecting the grille is the easiest thing to do. Check if leaves or other debris are present. If that's clear, and the symptoms persist without any apparent external obstruction, I'd recommend taking it to a workshop. Incorrect temperature readings and a check engine light suggest a deeper issue that might require professional diagnostic tools and expertise.

Turns out a fuse was defective. The repair cost me 52€. Everything seems to be back to normal now!

Join the discussion now: