what is a thermistor and can it cause my temp gauge to fluctuate - Honda Prelude Forum

concLude · 08-06-2003, 02:16 PM

just wondering what it is, where it is, and how expensive it is to replace it. My car has been running really hot lately, even at high way speeds, the temp gauges sometimes jumps up fast, so i'm wondering if its my thermostat and thermistor. I plan on changing both this weekend. also just to clearify, the passengers side fan is for cooling the engine, and the drivers side is for the A/C right?

Machine Head · 08-07-2003, 01:32 PM

Quote:

[i]Thermistors are thermally sensitive resistors and have, according to type, a negative (NTC), or positive (PTC) resistance/temperature coefficient. Thermometrics product portfolio comprises a wide range of both types.

Manufactured from the oxides of the transition metals - manganese, cobalt, copper and nickel, NTC thermistors are temperature dependant semiconductor resistors. Operating over a range of -200Â°C to + 1000Â°C, they are supplied in glass bead, disc, chips and probe formats. NTCs should be chosen when a continuous change of resistance is required over a wide temperature range. They offer mechanical, thermal and electrical stability,
[/B]

just based on that I don't think our cars have a thermistor. But a thermistat is what controlls the flow of coolant based on temps coming from coolant sourced through the water pump. Costs $22 to replace

MR.CLIFFORD · 08-07-2003, 01:35 PM

unless you are Orlando. Then it turns into a 4-600 dollar project

Machine Head · 08-07-2003, 02:09 PM

correct .. word to dee wise if your changing your thermostsat, also change the rubber washer that surrounds it, and you might as well flush the fluid

red92s · 08-07-2003, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Machine Head

just based on that I don't think our cars have a thermistor.

A thermosistor is just a temperature-activated switch, AKA the ECT sensor.