What are the reasons for the thermostat not opening?
4 Answers
Here are the specific reasons why the thermostat may not open: 1. Water temperature: The water temperature is not high enough. 2. Blockage: The water passage is blocked. 3. Freezing: The radiator is frozen. Below is additional information about the thermostat: 1. High temperature and pressure: Water with excessively high temperature and pressure cannot be forced into the water tank by opening the radiator cap and may damage the water jacket of the small circulation system. 2. Working principle: The thermostat mainly uses a wax-type thermostat. When the cooling temperature is below the specified value, the refined paraffin in the thermostat's temperature-sensitive body remains solid, and the thermostat valve closes the channel between the engine and the radiator under the action of the spring. The coolant returns to the engine via the water pump, performing a small circulation within the engine.
I've encountered the thermostat not opening issue many times, which is quite common. After summarizing, here are the main reasons. The most common one is rust jamming the valve, especially in older cars where moisture enters the cooling system and gradually causes rust, sticking the valve flap shut. Next is dirt blockage, where impurities in the coolant accumulate, preventing the valve from moving. Sometimes, mechanical parts deform, like a broken spring or a bent shaft, often caused by frequent driving on bumpy roads. Another reason is a faulty water temperature sensor; if it's an electronically controlled thermostat, incorrect signals can prevent the valve from operating. If you notice the engine temperature consistently running high without dropping, don't delay—pull over to check the coolant and call a tow truck to a repair shop if necessary to avoid engine damage. Regularly flushing the cooling system and adding fresh coolant can significantly reduce such troubles.
Over the years of driving, I've experienced situations where the thermostat in my car failed to open, causing the engine to overheat and trigger a high-temperature alarm, which made me sweat with anxiety. The main culprit was aging—after five or six years of use, the thermostat's material became brittle, causing the valve flap to get stuck. It could also be due to significant temperature variations, such as coolant freezing in cold winters or evaporation reducing the fluid level in hot summers, leading to valve sticking. Electrical issues like loose connectors or short circuits causing intermittent signals were also possible. I remember waiting a few minutes for the coolant temperature to drop slightly before I could drive, but replacing the thermostat later fixed the issue. I’d like to remind everyone to regularly monitor the coolant temperature gauge and address any abnormalities early to avoid being stranded on the road.
The reasons for a thermostat not opening are quite simple, commonly due to rust, dirt blockage, or spring failure jamming the valve. Coupled with coolant issues like low levels or airlocks, restricted flow affects operation. The risk is higher with large temperature differences, so it's best to check during seasonal changes. If high water temperature is detected, stop the vehicle immediately to ensure safety.
