Electric Thermostat With Heater Element
The electric thermostat contains a wax heating element. When energized, the heater element heats the wax element, partially controlling the thermostat function along with the temperature control of the engine coolant. Operation is therefore activated not only by the engine coolant temperature, but as specified by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). This enables a finer control of the opening and closing of the electric thermostat.
Operation of the electric thermostat is controlled by the PCM based on these inputs:
- Engine coolant set point (°C)
- Engine speed (rpm)
- Torque (Nm)
- Terrain Mode position (Normal, Sand, Rock, etc.)
- Cylinder block temp (°C)
- Environmental temp (°C)
- Radiator bottom hose temp (°C)
- Air mass flow (Kg/h)
Electric Thermostat Operation
| Temperature | Electric Thermostat With Heater Element Action |
|---|---|
| Below approximately 101°C (213°F) | Closed |
| Reaches approximately 101°C (213°F) | Starts to open |
| Reaches approximately 111°C (234°F) | Fully open |