What are the symptoms of a damaged thermostat in the Tiggo 3?

[VanCarson]

The symptoms of a damaged thermostat in the Tiggo 3 are: 1. If the thermostat fails to open, the temperature gauge will display the coolant temperature in the high-temperature zone; 2. If the car thermostat fails to close, the coolant temperature will rise slowly. Taking the 2020 Tiggo 3 as an example, it belongs to the small SUV category, with body dimensions of: length 4420mm, width 1760mm, height 1670mm, wheelbase of 2510mm, fuel tank capacity of 55 liters, and curb weight of 1358kg. The 2020 Tiggo 3 is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 116PS, maximum power of 85kW, maximum torque of 143Nm, and is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

[McBrooke]

When I was driving my Tiggo 3, the thermostat failed once, and the symptoms were quite obvious. The temperature gauge kept spiking into the red warning zone, steam was rising from the engine hood, and it smelled like something was burning. Even with the heater on, no warm air came out, making the car freezing cold in winter. This component is a valve that controls coolant flow—if it fails, it gets stuck. If stuck in the closed position, coolant can't circulate, causing a rapid temperature rise and risking engine overheating, which can damage the cylinder head. If stuck open, the engine never reaches optimal temperature, staying in a cold state for a long time, increasing fuel consumption and emissions. In severe cases, it may leak coolant or cause the fan to run non-stop. For safety, always monitor the dashboard—if the warning light turns red, pull over immediately. Don't push it on highways, as it could lead to serious accidents. Replacing a faulty thermostat isn't expensive, but make sure to choose a reputable shop to avoid bigger repair costs later.

[KeiraDella]

From a repair perspective, common symptoms of a faulty thermostat in the Tiggo 3 include abnormal fluctuations in the temperature gauge: either the needle remains too low and rises slowly, showing no response even after driving cold for over ten minutes; or it suddenly spikes too high, triggering the warning light. Owners often complain about ineffective heating or the engine overheating, and upon inspection, the thermostat is usually found stuck or clogged. During diagnosis, feel the radiator hoses after a cold start—a noticeable temperature difference indicates the issue. Causes of damage include aging seals and blockage by debris. Engine temperature imbalance can damage components like the water pump or fan, increasing fuel consumption and emissions. Simple issues can escalate if neglected: for instance, engine overheating leading to cylinder damage or coolant boiling, significantly raising repair costs. I recommend checking the cooling system every two to three years—preventive replacement is better than cure, ensuring driving safety.

[Rudy]

What happens if the thermostat of Tiggo 3 fails? As a novice driver, I encountered: the water temperature fluctuates unpredictably, either the dashboard alarm lights up scarily, or the car doesn't warm up even after half an hour of driving. In winter, the heater blows cold air, making you shiver. Later, I learned that the thermostat is a temperature regulation switch. When it fails, the coolant can't flow properly or flows irregularly, causing the engine temperature to go out of control. If stuck closed, the water temperature rises, leading to engine heat damage; if stuck open, the water temperature drops, increasing fuel consumption. Other symptoms include the fan running continuously or coolant leakage. It's fine once repaired, and the cost isn't high. Be cautious of abnormal temperature warnings while driving.