Couple strange electical issues
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New Member
Joined: 01-04-2009
Posts: 29
From: Lonedell, Mo.
A thermistor is a resistor that changes it's resistance value based on the temperature of the resistor, The computer looks at that resistance and converts it to a temperature reading.
Thread Starter
New Member
Joined: 01-04-2009
Posts: 29
From: Lonedell, Mo.
But then WTF do I know. I do know I would not program an alarm on my Building Automation System at work to do it that way.
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Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,533
From: Fredericksburg,VA
But, I think the temp sender is an old fashioned thermocouple. Not sure about it though.
Since you are an engineer, try using the SEARCH box at the top of the page. You will find many discussions regarding the why of the car reacting the way it does to a bad t-stat.
Since when did computers use "human" common sense?
Since you are an engineer, try using the SEARCH box at the top of the page. You will find many discussions regarding the why of the car reacting the way it does to a bad t-stat.
Since when did computers use "human" common sense?
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Have you checked the coolant level as suggested already?
If not, just replace the thermostat - and as Donbrew says, the forum here has documented everything from how it fails, why it fails and how to fix it. Sometimes we get sidetracked by over thinking things, rather than just getting down to fixing it. :)
FYI: if the warm-up period falls outside of the expectations of the "computer" it will SOMETIMES light up the Check Engine Light, and give a P0128 code. But not always - sometimes it just blanks out the temperature gauges - and yes it is dependant on the ambient temperature and will occur more frequently in cooler weather (as the engine is even slower to warm up).
If not, just replace the thermostat - and as Donbrew says, the forum here has documented everything from how it fails, why it fails and how to fix it. Sometimes we get sidetracked by over thinking things, rather than just getting down to fixing it. :)
FYI: if the warm-up period falls outside of the expectations of the "computer" it will SOMETIMES light up the Check Engine Light, and give a P0128 code. But not always - sometimes it just blanks out the temperature gauges - and yes it is dependant on the ambient temperature and will occur more frequently in cooler weather (as the engine is even slower to warm up).
Senior Member
Joined: 11-05-2010
Posts: 1,492
From: Detroit, Michigan USA
This is on my 20008 LT, 1st my engine temperature sensor fails randomly. Always works when ambient temp is around 70 or greater, mostly never when less. I work with and understand thermistors so this is baffling to me. Their usually good or bad. If its a wiring issue I dont understand how ambient temp would effect the connection??
2nd random power steering failure. Somtimes 5 minutes sometime hours of operation without a problem. If I turn off and restart it works again until random failure?
This vehicle did have an ignition interlock at one point (Breathalizer)
2nd random power steering failure. Somtimes 5 minutes sometime hours of operation without a problem. If I turn off and restart it works again until random failure?
This vehicle did have an ignition interlock at one point (Breathalizer)
Sorry to hear this is going on with your HHR. Are you taking care of these matters on your own, or were you planning on working with your local dealer? Let me know if there is anything I can look into for you. I can be reached via PM.
Sincerely,
Jonathan A.
Chevrolet Customer Care
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