If you’ve noticed the high exhaust temperature indicator or the hot exhaust light in your car, it is likely due to a malfunctioning brake proportioning valve. Thanks to our guide, you don’t need to take your car to a mechanic immediately, as you can reset this part yourself.
Here, in this guide, you can learn how to fix high exhaust temperature if you experience these indicator problems. By the end, you’ll know more about going through a couple of steps, getting things to work as normal, and having a trouble-free exhaust system.
What Is An Exhaust Temp Indicator?
Exhaust temperature is a critical indicator of vehicle health. High exhaust temperatures can cause engine damage or failure, so paying attention is essential. The high exhaust temperature indicator is an essential tool for monitoring engine performance and avoiding a costly problem and breakdowns.
High exhaust temperatures are caused when the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber combusts too quickly, which can happen due to factors such as dirty air filters, improper timing, or problems with the catalytic converter.
If this temperature reaches elevated levels, it can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s engine components, and any place is way too hot to touch. Thus monitoring the high exhaust temp indicator system is key to identifying any potential issues before they become problematic.
Understanding what this temperature indicator tells you and taking action if needed helps you keep your vehicle running efficiently for a long time while avoiding costly repairs that could result from ignoring system problem warning signs. (Read Horn Doesn’t Sound Anymore When Locking Doors – What To Do)
How Exhaust Gas Temperature Indicator Works
High exhaust temperature is a standard indicator of technical issues in vehicles. But how does one know if the temperature is normal or not? The normal operating range of an engine’s exhaust gas temperature usually ranges from 200-800 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it exceeds 800 degrees, this indicates a regen issue within the engine and requires further investigation. The most common culprit behind high temperatures is an overloaded regen process – when too much fuel enters the combustion chamber and causes excessive heat buildup in the exhaust system.
Drivers need to check their vehicle manual for more information regarding suitable levels of regen activity.
Causes of High Exhaust Temp
High exhaust temperature is a dangerous condition that can affect the performance of your vehicle and even damage that needs a shop to fix if not addressed. Thanks to knowing what to do on your dash can save you time, money, and days of hassle at the car shop.
A faulty or dirty turbocharger is one of the most common causes of high exhaust temperatures. The turbocharger compresses air into cylinders, increasing the engine’s power output and generating more heat.
If there is dirt or debris in the turbocharger, it won’t be able to dissipate enough heat and will cause an increase in temperature. Other potential causes include clogged fuel injectors, faulty spark plugs, and worn-out oxygen sensors.
Diagnosing the Problem
When diagnosing a high exhaust temp regen indicator, expertise and experience are essential. Water is also essential to consider, as the water cooling system can be affected when there’s an imbalance or blockage.
At its core, this exhaust temperature regen indicator is made to alert drivers of an issue with their vehicle. In many cases, misdiagnosing an exhaust temperature indicator can lead to more severe issues for many people. (Read Why Does My Temperature Gauge Go Up And Down)
How To Fix High Exhaust Temperature Indicator Problem
High exhaust temperature indicators are a critical part of any vehicle’s motor. Checking the motor for obvious problems that could cause the exhaust temperature indicator light to come on.
This covers all engine cooling hoses, pipes, and connectors. If no damage or leaks are apparent, drivers should check spark plugs and fuel injectors for wear and corrosion. If no damage is found, it could be the thermostat.
Maintenance Tips: When your indicator’s high exhaust temperature light turns on, it tells you to respond quickly.
An operator ignoring this warning for too long could cause engine and vehicle damage. To maintain your motor, here are some recommendations for checking the indicator light:
- To prevent lasting damage, check the high exhaust temp light often.
- If the dash lights up, half your vehicle’s speed. Turn off half or more of the accessories that require engine power, such as air conditioning or stereo systems.
- Once these activities are complete, inspect the radiator and engine for signs of high heat or smoke. If overheating is suspected, contact a professional for examination and repairs.
Main Reasons For High Exhaust Temperature
1. Poor Fuel Treatment Or Quality
Service poor gas before using it. You can determine how many temperatures and viscosities to store based on test results and purification temperature.
2. Fuel Valve/ Injectors
When fuel valve nozzles are expanded, too much fuel may enter the combustion chamber. These fuels may go unburned or burn in the exhaust manifold, raising temperatures.
3. Fuel Pump And Delivery Valve
If the high-pressure fuel supply pump or delivery valve malfunctions, excess fuel may be pumped into the fuel valve, causing high exhaust temperatures or funnel smoke.
4. Engine Timing
Incorrect engine timing settings will affect engine operation.
5. Clogged Turbocharger
Carbon buildup may prevent combusted gas from flowing through nozzle rings. Worn or clogged blades may prevent gas from escaping.
6. Scavenge And Exhaust Manifold Clogged
Ensure you have cleaned the T/C air cooler and manifold regularly to allow more booster air in and clean exhaust out.
A pyrometer is the best way to measure exhaust gas temperatures and let drivers understand how much heat is generated inside a diesel engine’s cylinders.
Extending the life of the motor and contributing to improved performance can be accomplished by installing aftermarket parts to help regulate exhaust gas temperatures.
1. Replace the stock air filter with an aftermarket, cool air intake to increase the motor airflow. Too much fuel and not enough air results in high exhaust gas temperatures.
You may improve fuel efficiency and reduce exhaust temperatures by allowing more clean air to enter the engine and resetting the proper air-to-fuel ratios.
2. Install a free-flowing exhaust system with a substantial diameter. The motor and turbocharger will be able to produce more power without the exhaust gas temperature rising noticeably if the exhaust is allowed to escape the vehicle with the fewest restrictions possible.
3. The installation of a water and methanol injection kit can add an additional catalyst to the diesel motor combustion chambers. This is capable of cooling the hot air leaving the vehicle’s turbo while the methanol aids in burning any extra fuel in the cylinders as normal. (Read Socket Sizes In Order)
FAQs
What Does High Exhaust Temp Mean?
The HEST Lamp illuminates to indicate the possibility of high exhaust temperatures following treatment renewal. Make sure nothing that can melt, burn, or explode is in the path of the exhaust pipe outlet when this lamp is on.
How Hot Is Too Hot For Diesel Exhaust?
Every season, an engine should be serviced if it operates at 1,800° to 2,000° EGT for longer than a few seconds, as this could harm the turbocharger, cylinder head, or pistons.
How To Control EGT?
The most common way to boost power in a diesel engine is to add fuel, and this extra fuel generates heat.
Water injection, aftermarket intercoolers, and bigger turbochargers can all be utilized to regulate it.
