Are all coolant temperature 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.
What is the most accurate temperature sensor?
RTD
An RTD is the most accurate and stable temperature sensor and is more linear than a thermocouple or thermistor. However, RTDs are the slowest and most expensive temperature sensors. Therefore, they it precision applications where accuracy is critical while speed and cost are less important.
How long do coolant temp sensors last?
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 inside a temperature sensor?
Among the contact temperature sensors are thermocouples and thermistors. A thermocouple is comprised of two conductors, each made of a different type of metal, that are joined at an end to form a junction. When the junction is exposed to heat, a voltage is generated that directly corresponds to the temperature input.
What does a bad coolant temperature sensor do?
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.
What are the symptoms of a bad coolant temperature sensor?
Another symptom of a problem with the coolant temperature sensor is an overheating engine. The coolant temperature sensor can also fail in a manner that causes it to send a permanently hot signal. This can cause the computer to incorrectly compensate for a lean signal, which can result in overheating, and even misfires or engine ping.
When your coolant temperature sensor should be replaced?
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. If that happens, the check engine light will come on, and then a service technician will use a diagnostic scan tool to determine the problem.
Where do I find the coolant temperature sensor?
What is a Coolant Temperature Sensor and How Does It Work? 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.