How do I know if my coolant temp switch is bad?

How do I know if my coolant temp switch is bad?

Symptoms of a bad or failing coolant temperature switch (sensor)

  1. Poor fuel economy. One of the first symptoms associated with a problem with the coolant temperature sensor is poor fuel economy.
  2. Black smoke from engine.
  3. Overheating engine.
  4. Check Engine Light comes on.

Can low coolant cause P0117?

There are a lot of issues that could trigger the engine code P0117. Below are just some of the possible causes of P0117: Defective engine coolant temp sensor. Damaged or corroded engine coolant temp wiring or connection.

How often do coolant temp sensors go bad?

about 100,000 miles
Often, the engine coolant temperature sensor must be replaced at about 100,000 miles. If you don’t properly maintain the engine cooling system, the sensor could fail much earlier.

What is the average engine coolant temperature?

between 195 degrees and 220 degrees
Normal Temperature engine temperature gauge Most experts agree that your engine should run between 195 degrees and 220 degrees.

Can you clean a coolant temperature sensor?

In most cases, sensors for your automobile will need to be replaced if they fail, but depending on the type of sensor and its location or function, some can be cleaned and reused. Sensors can come in many types and are used for a variety of systems on modern cars.

What causes low coolant temp in Toyota Prius?

P0117 TOYOTA Possible Causes 1 Low engine coolant level 2 Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor 3 Faulty engine coolant thermostat 4 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor harness is open or shorted 5 Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor circuit poor electrical connection

What happens to the p0117 coolant circuit low?

As the temperature of the coolant changes, the resistance of the sensor changes. When the engine is cold, the resistance is high. When the engine is warm, the resistance is low. If the PCM detects a signal voltage lower than the normal operating range of the sensor then P0117 Toyota code will set.

What does the p0117 code on a Toyota mean?

If the PCM detects a signal voltage lower than the normal operating range of the sensor then P0117 Toyota code will set. Since this code is for an abnormally low signal to the PCM from the ECT, the PCM saw a excessively “hot” condition in the engine coolant.

Where is the coolant temperature sensor located on a Toyota?

OBD2 Code P0117 Toyota definition: The ECT (Engine coolant temperature) sensor is a thermistor located in the engine block or other coolant passage. It changes resistance with changes in temperature of the coolant that it’s in contact with.