Intermittent Temperature Related Engine Problems, Where To Start

Temperature Related Engine Problems
Temperature Related Engine Problems

Diagnosing intermittent temperature related engine problems, can be a challenge, especially if they affect driveability.

Problems that come and go or only occur under certain driving or operating conditions, can be very difficult to troubleshoot.

So, how do you approach an intermittent drivability diagnostic issue? Consequently, if there are no pending On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) codes, you may find yourself guessing at a diagnosis.

One thing all intermittent temperature related problems share in common is, they are not a constant steady condition. If an engine dies and refuses to start, you can check for spark, fuel and compression, to start isolating the cause.

Abbreviations, that will be used in this Blog Post will include:

  • (CEL) = Check Engine Light
  • (CKP) = Crankshaft Position Sensor
  • (ECU) = Electronic Control Unit
  • (EGR) = Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
  • (MAF) = Mass Air Flow Sensor
  • (OBD) = On-Board Diagnostics
  • (O2) = Oxygen Sensor
  • (PCM) = Powertrain Control Module
  • (TSB) = Technical Service Bulletin
Hard Starting Engine
Hard Starting Engine

But, when you have an engine that runs fine one minute, then dies, bucks, hesitates or misfires, then runs fine again, it is a different story. Something is obviously happening, that is interfering with normal combustion. But what? Is it the ignition system, fuel system, computer or something else? That is where a diagnostic strategy comes in.

Intermittent Temperature
Automotive Sensors

So, the worst kind of problems are, those that are random, say once a week or less. Because, your odds of solving a random problem, are probably the same as winning the lottery. Unless you are lucky enough to catch the problem, when it is happening, you will not have much to go on.

If an intermittent temperature related starting or driveability problem only occurs when:

  • The ambient temperature is, high or low
  • The engine is, hot or cold
  • Only during, warm-up
  • Only when the engine reaches, normal operating temperature

This tells you that, engine temperature is affecting something.

Intermittent Temperature
Intermittent Temperature

So, Where Do You Start !

Shouldn’t we check the Oxygen (O2) Sensor first, before looking at fuel trim values, to confirm that they’re providing good data ? Because, we already know the vehicle has a intermittent driveability issue, and the Check Engine Light (CEL) is not on.

Intermittent Temperature
Oxygen (O2) Sensor

Consequently, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has already tested the Oxygen (O2) sensors, using the criteria set in the Oxygen (O2) Sensor monitors. So, depending on the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) strategy, these tests are performed, with every key cycle as the vehicle is being driven.

Intermittent Temperature Related Problems

Often a circuit is shorting out or opening up, as a result of thermal expansion or contraction. Other possibilities are, a failing Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) or Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor. Some vehicle types had problems with their ignition switches, loose connections, and (especially) grounds. In some cases, the cause can be, a defective fuel pump, computer or their power relays. Finally, heat may be causing, a loose or corroded connector or ground, to break contact.

Intermittent Temperature
Poor Ground Wires

So, as operating temperatures rise, wiring connectors and even integrated circuits may open up.

Temperature effects on electronic components, can be simulated with, a hair dryer or hot air gun. By directing heat, at suspicious connections, modules or other components, you can sometimes get the part to, misbehave when hot. If so, this would confirm the problem. Finally, the next step would be to, replace the faulty component.

This would include:

  • Microscopic hairline cracks, in circuit boards.
  • Soldered connections.
  • Wiring connectors.
  • Even integrated circuits.

So, an injector solenoid or ignition coil, that shows normal resistance at room temperature, may short out when hot.

Intermittent Temperature
Ignition Coil

Also, sometimes diodes and transistors, can become flaky at high temperatures and/or voltage loads.

Sensor Or (PCM) Related Issues

Changes in operating temperature, also affect the way the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls spark timing, fuel mixture and other emissions functions. So, if an intermittent problem only occurs after warm up, it may be happening, when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) goes into closed loop. Causing, intermittent temperature related problems.

(ECU) Open & Closed Loop Operation:

  • Engine cold, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) operates in open loop mode. Uses Pre-programmed values to control engine.
  • Engine at operating temperature, Electronic Control Unit (ECU) operates in closed loop mode. It uses data, from the oxygen and other sensors to control engine.
Open Closed Loop Engine Control
Open Closed Loop Engine Control

Usually, if the problem only occurs, when the engine is in closed loop, it is probably a sensor or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) related issue.

The strategy here would be to look at, some of the key sensor inputs, with your scan tool. Confirm all readings are within normal limits. Some problems may occur too quickly, for the normal data stream to detect a fault. Consequently, you may have to hook up, a digital storage oscilloscope to detect a momentary glitch.

Intermittent Temperature Related, Mechanical Issues

Temperature can also cause, mechanical things to stick, as a result of thermal expansion. Valves and lifters, can stick if an engine overheats. Also, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valves can stick, from heat or a buildup of, carbon deposits.

Carbon Deposits On (EGR) Valve
Carbon Deposits On (EGR) Valve

Relay contacts may be affected by, changes in temperature as well.

Cooling System

So, one thing to check here, is the operation of the cooling system. Consequently, a low coolant level, may prevent the thermostat from, opening and closing properly.

Electric Cooling Fan
Electric Cooling Fan

Above all, an inoperative electric cooling fan or a clogged radiator, may allow unwanted fluctuations in engine temperature. Causing, intermittent temperature related problems.

Conclusion

So, always check for any Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), that might be out on the problem. Consequently, it may be a situation where there is a pattern failure. And, the vehicle manufacturer, has already done the diagnostic homework and figured out the solution for you.

Finally, in many cases, taking a few minutes to check for a possible Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), can save you hours of frustration. Because, the cure may not be, to replace a part. But, to Re-flash the computer, to change its operating instructions.

Thank You !