vincentkoenig8

SM3 Temperature Gauge Issue

My 2005 Renault SM3 with a gasoline engine has a temperature gauge that seems off, and the check engine light keeps popping up. It also takes ages for the engine to warm up. I checked the cooling grille for blockages, but everything seems clear. Could a defective fuse be causing this? What else should I look at?

4 comment(s)

Sounds like a thermal management issue. Is the radiator fan running constantly, even when the engine is cold? Is the temperature reading consistently low, or does it fluctuate wildly? Also check the coolant level; low coolant can cause weird temperature-related problems.

The radiator fan doesn't seem to be running constantly, but the temperature reading is definitely consistently low. Coolant level looks fine too. Could the cooling grille itself be restricted internally? Maybe fins are bent?

It's unlikely that the cooling grille is the sole cause, though a significant blockage would contribute. Given the consistent low temperature and check engine light, it's pointing more towards a faulty coolant temperature sensor or a thermostat stuck open. I'd recommend getting it checked by a mechanic to properly diagnose the issue and prevent any potential engine damage.

Thanks a lot for the advice! I took it to a workshop, and you were right – it was a faulty thermostat. The repair cost me 52€, and everything seems to be running smoothly now.

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