Cadillac DTS Temperature gauge is maxed out Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(169)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(169)

Temperature gauge is maxed out Inspection Service

How much does a Temperature gauge is maxed out Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Cadillac DTS Temperature gauge is maxed out Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2006 Cadillac DTSV8-4.6LService typeTemperature gauge is maxed out InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
2008 Cadillac DTSV8-4.6LService typeTemperature gauge is maxed out InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2010 Cadillac DTSV8-4.6LService typeTemperature gauge is maxed out InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2007 Cadillac DTSV8-4.6LService typeTemperature gauge is maxed out InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.48 - $125.60
2011 Cadillac DTSV8-4.6LService typeTemperature gauge is maxed out InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.55 - $125.72
2009 Cadillac DTSV8-4.6LService typeTemperature gauge is maxed out InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
Show example Cadillac DTS Temperature gauge is maxed out Inspection prices

Your car’s engine needs to maintain the right operating temperature. As it runs, it creates immense amounts of heat. Coolant is circulated through the engine to absorb heat, and then it goes back to the radiator, where the radiator fan helps wick away the collected heat. Once cooled, the coolant is then sent back into the engine to do it all again. This should keep your engine in the normal operating temperature range, but if your temperature gauge is maxed out, there could be something seriously wrong.

How this system works:

The temperature gauge in your dash is connected to the car’s computer and from there to a temperature sensor on the engine block. The sensor measures the temperature of your car’s coolant (it uses resistance, but the actual resistance values can vary drastically from one automaker to another, and from one model to another).

The information read by the sensor is sent to the car’s computer, which adjusts the temperature gauge and also plays a role in the cooling system. Depending on the temperature level, the radiator fan will cycle on and off. As the temperature of your coolant rises, the needle in your temperature gauge should rise, moving from cold to normal. However, it may move all the way to hot in some cases.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Low Coolant: The first suspected cause of your temperature gauge maxing out is low coolant. If this occurs, your engine can overheat, and serious damage can result, up to and including cracking the block. However, if the engine isn’t actually hot (the temp gauge is maxed out but there’s no abnormal levels of heat from the engine), this isn’t the problem.

  • Broken Temp Gauge: If the temperature gauge is maxed out but the engine isn’t actually hot, then the problem may be a broken temperature gauge. The needle may be stuck in the hot range (this can happen after overheating the engine), or a stepper gear in the gauge may be damaged.

  • Failed Temp Sensor: If the temperature sensor on your engine block has failed, it may not send any information to the system, or it may send an erroneous signal, causing the gauge to rise without any actual overheating. It’s also possible that the sensor is shorting.

  • Failed Thermostat: If your car’s thermostat sticks in the closed position, coolant will not fully cycle through the engine, and it will begin to overheat. Your temperature gauge will rise quickly, particularly if it is very warm outside.

  • Cooling Fan Motor Failure: If the motor for your radiator cooling fan fails, it will not cycle on. This reduces the amount of airflow over the radiator, meaning that much of the heat is retained by the coolant, and it will not be able to absorb more from the engine.

  • Bad Fan Switch: Another reason your radiator fan might not be working is a bad fan switch. This switch controls the cycling of your radiator fan(s), and if it fails, it can cause overheating.

  • Air in System after Coolant Service: If you’ve recently had your engine coolant drained and refilled, it’s possible there’s air in the system. Air bubbles can form and block coolant from cycling through the engine, causing it to overheat.

What to expect:

A professionally trained mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to inspect your car’s temperature gauge and other components. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect the coolant level of your vehicle, as well as the temperature sensor and other components in order to determine the cause of the gauge maxing out. It may be necessary to test drive the vehicle and verify if the engine is actually overheating, or if the problem lies with the sensor or the gauge.

How important is this service?

If your car is actually overheating, it’s a very serious problem that could quickly lead to engine-killing damage. Even if the problem is just a malfunctioning sensor or gauge, the issue is still serious, as you will have no means of observing the actual temperature of your engine coolant. One of our professional mechanics can inspect and repair your system.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Cadillac mechanics

Real customer reviews from Cadillac owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(169)

Rating Summary
156
4
0
0
9
156
4
0
0
9

Richard

21 years of experience
237 reviews
Richard
21 years of experience
Cadillac DTS V8-4.6L - Oil Change - Naples, Florida
Showed up on time, had a great attitude, and was very professional.

Matthew

12 years of experience
183 reviews
Matthew
12 years of experience
Cadillac DTS V8-4.6L - Brake Pads Replacement (Front, Rear) - Indianapolis, Indiana
Good work

Jose

15 years of experience
213 reviews
Jose
15 years of experience
Cadillac DTS V8-4.6L - Wheel Bearings Replacement (Passenger Side Front) - Buford, Georgia
On time. Fast and efficient. Finished under estimated time. Came to my work. Convenient. Friendly. Will use again and reccommend. Thanks Jose!

Chris

6 years of experience
84 reviews
Chris
6 years of experience
Cadillac DTS V8-4.6L - Car is not starting - Jonesboro, Georgia
Knowledgeable, friendly, professional service.

Excellent Rating

(169)

Rating Summary
156
4
0
0
9
156
4
0
0
9
Number of Cadillac DTS services completed
1859+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Cadillac MECHANICS
900+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

Top 10 Factors to Consider When Buying a Luxury Car
The The idea of owning a luxury car is appealing. The glossy paint, swoopy lines, and prestigious badges speak of the owner’s success in life, while the interior opulence offers scented leather surfaces, high-tech telematic devices, and all the creature-comfort...
2012 Chrysler 200 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Malibu: Which One Should I Buy?
When you are looking for a small-range sedan, you need to get somewhere quickly and inexpensively, and may even need to take a few kids with you. Slightly larger than a commuter car, these mid-size options offer decent gas mileage,...
How to Know When It's Time to Buy a New Car
Deciding whether to repair or replace your car can be tough. Find out the value of your car and get an estimate for repairs before you get a new car.

P0421 comes up on scan. What is the likely culprit

Hello. When you get the P0421 code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0421-obd-ii-trouble-code-warm-up-catalyst-efficiency-below-threshold-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn), it usually means that you have a failing catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement). It is very common for converters to fail on this vehicle over time. Most of the time I use a scan...

A bad knocking noise on my left front wheel especially when driving on a bumpy road or when turning either left of right. 2008 VW Golf

Hi there - the suspension noise (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/suspension-noise) you describe could be either a broken front strut, or strut bearing plate. You are likely also experiencing a bit of loose motion in the steering as well. I would recommend a suspension...

Hi I replaced the temp sensor in my car and it’s still not working so I think it’s a problem with a fuse

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com