2001 Olds Alero, Check Engine light is on and temperature gage is not working?

Question

Is it the thermostat?

Answer 1

No. The check engine light is on "because" the temp gauge isn't working. The computer picks up on that. Even if the thermostat was missing all together, the gauge would still register something. The biggest reason gauges don't work right is that the coolant has dropped below the level of the sensor. If it's full, the wire could be off, the gauge could be bad or the sensor could be bad.

Answer 2

There is a tempature sending unit. Usually on the left side below the plugs and exhaust manifold. It screw's into the block. There is a wire attached to it this is how the gauge reads to turn on the light. The check engine light may not be from this, unless when your driving for a little while and the engine starts to overheat then the light comes on. Usually the check engine light may mean something else. If you have a Auto Zone near you they'll check the engine light for a code to tell you what's wrong.

Answer 3

Your sensor is most likely reading right and the reason for the MIL is the temp guage inop condition.

You need to get it analyzed but going to a parts store and asking them if they loan out the reader...You can read the code then to be nice purchase the sender from that parts store, after all they let you use the reader.

THe reader should show a temp control sensor bad.