Are all coolant temp sensors the same?
Many cars have more than one coolant temperature sensor. In most cars, the primary ECT sensor (ECT sensor 1) is installed near the thermostat in the cylinder head or block or on the thermostat housing. A second coolant temperature sensor could be installed in another part of the engine, or in the radiator.
Should I drain coolant before changing coolant temperature sensor?
Open the radiator valve and drain about two to three quarts of coolant. You only need to remove enough to drop the level below the sensor. This will minimize coolant waste when you remove the sensor.
What happens when the coolant temperature sensor goes bad?
If the coolant temperature sensor goes bad it can send a false signal to the computer and throw off the fuel and timing calculations. It is not uncommon for the coolant temperature sensor to fail and send a permanently cold signal to the computer. This will reduce fuel economy, and may hinder engine performance.
Does the coolant temp sensor control the fan?
The sensor works by measuring the temperature that’s being given off by the thermostat and/or the coolant itself. The temperature is then sent to the on-board control system. As the control system receives the temperature from the CTS, it may trigger the cooling fan to either shut off or turn on.
How do you know if your coolant temp sensor is bad?
What Signs May Signal Your Coolant Temperature Sensor May Be Failing?
- Poor Fuel Economy.
- Irregular Temperature Readings.
- Black Smoke from Your Exhaust.
- Your Engine is Overheating.
- Your Check Engine Light is On.
How hard is it to change a coolant temperature sensor?
The actual process of replacing the coolant temperature sensor is extremely simple. However, the difficult work comes in the preparation of the cooling system – both before and after. Tip: This job should only be completed when the engine is cold and has not been running for a minimum of one hour.
What causes a coolant temperature sensor to fail?
The engine may run in fail-safe mode: Many Check Engine light codes related to the (ECT) sensor; could also be caused by other reasons. Such as a bad thermostat or issues with the cooling system; including even a leaking head gasket.
How do you know if your coolant temperature sensor is bad?
Symptoms of a Bad Coolant Temperature Sensor If your vehicle starts to use a lot more gasoline than usual, or black smoke is starting to come from the exhaust pipe, these are indicators that the coolant temperature sensor in your vehicle could be defective, and needs to be replaced.
What does the coolant temp sensor control?
A coolant temperature sensor (CTS) (also known as an ECT sensor or ECTS (engine coolant temperature sensor) is used to measure the temperature of the coolant/antifreeze mix in the cooling system, giving an indication of how much heat the engine is giving off.
What should the temp of the coolant sensor be?
Check that the temperature value of the CTS is around 80-90c when the engine is hot. A lot of engine coolant temperature sensors have two wires and the sensor is controlled by Ohm. Get a wiring diagram and find out what ohms you should have at a specific temperature to check the function.
What to do when your coolant sensor is replaced?
Properly dispose of used coolant. Step 16: Lower vehicle from jack stands. Place the vehicle back level to the ground. Once the coolant temperature sensor has been replaced, you need to start the engine, check for leaks, and refill the radiator fluid in most cases before you test drive the vehicle.
Can a car have more than one coolant sensor?
Some vehicles may have more than one temperature sensors, as sometimes different sensors are used to send the signals to the dashboard and the control unit of your engine system. This is optional and a manufacturer can use only one coolant temperature sensor to send the signals to both of these desired receivers.
How does an engine coolant temperature circuit work?
P0117….Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Low Input P0118….Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit High Input P0119….Engine Coolant Temperature Circuit Intermittent When the (PCM) receives a cold signal from the (ECT) sensor; it increases injector pulse width (on time); to create a richer fuel mixture.