What Causes the Coolant Temperature Gauge Needle in a Prado to Stop Moving?
2 Answers
The reasons why the coolant temperature gauge needle in a Prado does not move are: 1. The power line of the coolant temperature gauge is broken; the heating coil of the coolant temperature gauge is burned out; 2. The heating coil of the coolant temperature gauge sensor is burned out or the contact is poor; 3. The wiring of the coolant temperature gauge sensor is loose or broken; 4. The voltage regulator supplying stable power to the coolant temperature gauge circuit is damaged. The Prado is a mid-to-large-sized 5-door, 7-seat SUV with body dimensions of: length 5010mm, width 1885mm, height 1890mm, and a wheelbase of 2790mm. It is equipped with a 3.5L naturally aspirated engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 206 kW and a maximum torque of 365 N·m. The drivetrain is front-engine, four-wheel drive, with a front suspension using a double-wishbone independent suspension and a rear suspension using a four-link non-independent suspension.
My experience tells me that the non-movement of the Prado's water temperature gauge needle is often caused by some common faults. Issues in the cooling system, such as a stuck thermostat, may affect temperature detection, or the water temperature sensor itself may be damaged and unable to send signals to the dashboard. Another possibility is a stuck needle inside the dashboard or a fault in the electronic module, especially in humid weather. In terms of wiring, if the wires connected to the sensor are loose or short-circuited, interrupting current transmission, it can also cause the needle to stop moving. I recommend you first check if the fuse in the engine compartment is blown and observe whether the radiator fan is operating normally. Also, avoid continuing to drive to prevent engine damage from overheating. If you're really unsure, it's safer to go to a professional repair shop for diagnosis as soon as possible—don't take it lightly.
