Coolant temperature

[Paulypaul]

We've been getting ready for a winter trip when last week we discovered mice had entered the van we had them a couple of years ago so I sealed up where I could underneath but I think they've got through viable engine bay?

We've got rid of them after catching 5 over 3 nights and the vans all trapped up and peppermint oiled without any more signs of them for the last week

Anyway, today I was running the engine up and the temp gauge never moved a dot, even though the heater started to get warm so I'm now wondering if the mice have had a go at the loom?

I just need to know where is the coolant temp sensor/gauge wiring on a 2016 Ducato so I can trace the wiring to see if there's any chewed wires?

Thanks.

 

[1967bowesj]

Paula, usually the switch/gauge is near the thermostat, can you trace the rad top hose back to engine, would expect gearbox end

 

[Podney]

Could just be because it’s so b*******g cold! I started the car up yesterday and ran it for a while on tickover (yes,I know it’s not good for modern engines,maybe), and it was ages before the needle moved. Better to take it for a run out.

 

[Paulypaul]

Could just be because it’s so b*******g cold! I started the car up yesterday and ran it for a while on tickover (yes,I know it’s not good for modern engines,maybe), and it was ages before the needle moved. Better to take it for a run out.

I did think that too but paranoia about the mice has me worried. I'll have a look as 1967bowesj suggested also.
Thanks

 

[Figaro]

Diesels take forever to warm up idling and as said it doesn't do the sensors any good so definitely not adviseable

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[AdrianChen]

Could just be because it’s so b*******g cold! I started the car up yesterday and ran it for a while on tickover (yes,I know it’s not good for modern engines,maybe), and it was ages before the needle moved. Better to take it for a run out.

Mines the same warm air (at least it feels warm compared to -1) coming out of the vents before any movement on the gauge.

 

[RustyRuss]

Takes our Ducato based Autotrail Apache around 15 minutes to warm up and the gauge to start to register if left at idle/tick over.

 

[Lenny HB]

You should never start a modern diesel and leave it on tick over, should be driven off straight away then it will warm up in 2 to 3 miles.
Only start and run on tick over if you want to bu**er the engine.

 

[Guigsy]

If the wiring was broken at the sensor end, wouldn't the ECU start throwing codes because temperature didn't match what was expected?

All all the other functions of the dash working? Unlikely to be that too as any damage to the dash loom will probably cause other obvious issues.

As mentioned, it takes a loooong time to get a modern diesel up to temperature if you just idle it. And running a diesel cold is quick way to wear, starve and clog various bits.

 

[David and Sally]

Could just be because it’s so b*******g cold! I started the car up yesterday and ran it for a while on tickover (yes,I know it’s not good for modern engines,maybe), and it was ages before the needle moved. Better to take it for a run out.

My first thoughts too.

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[David and Sally]

You should never start a modern diesel and leave it on tick over, should be driven off straight away then it will warm up in 2 to 3 miles.
Only start and run on tick over if you want to bu**er the engine.

But what about de-icing the windows? Use spray de-icer?

 

[Lenny HB]

But what about de-icing the windows? Use spray de-icer?

Scrape them, I never use the spray stuff as you get the end of the road and it's frozen again. Not bought a can of that since the 60's and in really cold climates it instantly refreezes rock hard.

The Motorhome is always warm from the hab heating and if it's at home I fire up the gas heating for 20min before starting the engine so it's nice & warm inside.

 

[pappajohn]

4 mile trip in the car yesterday......the gauge only got to 50°c.
It runs at 90°c when warmed up fully.

 

[Paulypaul]

I don't ever leave a motor ticking over, I always make sure it's at least 1300-1500 rpm. It's easy on my truck cause I have a variable speed switch but on the moho I have to wedge the pedal.

Anyway, just to update, it seems all is well and eventually the gauge sprung into life, so Roland and his departed mates haven't done any damage.

Thanks for all the replies though