The Top Repair Shop in Birmingham to Tackle a Lexus Coolant Bypass Valve Malfunction

The cooling system is one of the essential systems in your Lexus that ensures that the engine works efficiently. However, problems like a coolant bypass valve malfunction can subject the engine to stress which, if not handled properly, can cause engine failure.

You do not have to wait until your car’s engine fails before taking action against its faulty coolant bypass valve. You however need to understand the system and the early signs of failure so you can provide the best care and prevent further damage to the engine.

Understanding Your Lexus Coolant Bypass Valve

The engine does a rigorous job of converting fuel into car movement; hence, its activities usually result in the production of excessive heat which could damage the entire system. The cooling system, however, helps to protect the engine from damage by dealing with the heat produced and regulating the engine’s temperature using coolant fluid.

This coolant absorbs the heat from the engine (getting hot in the process), allowing the engine to cool down. However, when the engine is cold, its function could also be impaired so the coolant does an opposite function by releasing heat to the engine. The coolant, however, has to bypass the radiator so it does not get cold and fail in its function. The coolant bypass valve controls the path that the coolant goes through.

The two main causes of failure in this bypass valve are:

• Wear & Damage: This is the leading cause of failure in most car systems and sometimes, it may be unavoidable. For an active car component like the bypass valve, it is usually in constant motion, opening and closing to control coolant flow to the engine. These frequent actions can cause it to wear out, causing it to malfunction.
• Contamination: The coolant bypass valve can get stuck in one position or fail to work due to various contaminants. Dirt, debris, and metal scrapings can log in some parts of this bypass valve and prevent free movement. Also, if you usually use old or low-quality coolant, it could contain contaminants that can cause a malfunction in the valves.

How to identify a Failing Coolant Bypass Valve

You cannot make a plan to fix your car’s coolant bypass valve without knowing when it has failed. Hence, these signs can help you identify a malfunction in the valve.

• Irregular Temperature Readings: If you notice that your temperature gauge shows irregular readings, it could be that the coolant bypass valve is failing and making erratic movements which could affect how the temperature reads.
• Slow Engine Performance: Another common sign of a faulty coolant bypass valve is reduced engine performance. Your car’s engine needs its temperature to be optimal so combustion can go smoothly. However, if this valve malfunctions, the coolant will pass through the radiator before time, making it impossible to heat an already cool engine. Without its heat, the engine cannot perform its functions.
• Coolant Leaks: If you notice a coolant leak from your car’s engine areas, it could be a sign of broken seals or damage to a part of the cooling system. The coolant bypass valve is one of the system’s components and since it carries coolant, the leak could be coming from any of its damaged or broken parts.
• Heater Problems: Aside from keeping the engine cool, a working bypass valve also aids the supply of heat into the cabin of a car. If the heat from the coolant bypass valve travels to the engine, then the engine can warm up and dissipate some heat to the heater which then keeps the cabin warm. However, with a faulty coolant bypass valve, the heater could fail to perform its functions.

Top Auto Repair Shop in Birmingham to Fix Lexus Coolant Bypass Valve Issues

The best help you can provide your Lexus with a coolant bypass valve malfunction is to get it down to a reliable mechanic’s shop so they can conduct a proper inspection and fix the issue before it causes severe complications.

Franklin Automotive is one of the best automobile repair centers in Birmingham for all issues about vehicles. We offer excellent maintenance and repair services that cover simple fluid level checks and also complex repairs and replacements. Our shop is open to car users in Hoover, Homewood, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Trussville, and Birmingham, AL. Schedule an appointment today!