Why is my coolant temperature sensor not working?
If you were to test the coolant temperature sensor alone, you may think that it failed because its resistance value has remained at about 1500 or 2100 ohms, for example, when in fact the sensor is reporting the coolant actual temperature and it’s working properly. You could relay on the temperature gauge on your dashboard.
What’s the name of the coolant temperature sensor?
Coolant temperature sensors are also known as engine coolant temperature sensors or ECT sensors. The principle working of this sensor involves the use of an electrical resistance which measures the temperature of the coolant.
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 can I get the coolant temperature of my car?
Get the engine surface temperature using an infrared thermometer or suitable cooking thermometer. Take the engine temperature on a location near the coolant temperature sensor. Okay, at this point you may be wondering why you need to take the engine temperature to troubleshoot the sensor.
How does an automotive coolant temperature sensor work?
This simple one wire temperature sender was also used to give feedback information to the temp gauge in the dash. Today’s coolant temp senders have two wires, one wire is feed a small amount of voltage from the computer while the second wiring is read by the computer and the engine temperature determined.
How can I tell if my coolant temperature sensor is bad?
To diagnose the coolant temperature sensor, you need a repair manual for your car model to find what measurement values you should expect from the coolant temperature sensor. Connect an OBD2 Scanner and look for related trouble codes. Check the live data to see the temperature from the sensor.
Is the coolant temp the same as 0 to the sender?
If you’re coolant temperature is 125 degrees, it’s the same as 0 to the sender, and it’s switched off. If your coolant temperature is 210 degrees, it’s the same as seeing 185 degrees, and it’s switched on.
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.
If everything else is in order, failure in this test should be because of a faulty coolant temperature sensor. Another telltale sign of your coolant temperature sensor not functioning properly is if your engine is overheating frequently.
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.
How many temperature sensors does a car have?
There may be two temperature sensors in some vehicles, one to send information from the engine system to the control unit and another from the control unit to the dashboard. However, some vehicles dispense with the need for two temperature sensors by using just one sensor to do both tasks.
What happens if your coolant temperature sensor goes bad?
One of the first symptoms associated with a problem with the coolant temperature sensor is poor fuel economy. If the coolant temperature sensor goes bad it can send a false signal to the computer and throw off the fuel and timing calculations.
When to replace the air inlet temperature sensor?
It should match the air inlet temperature (IAT) reading when the engine is cold, and gradually increase as the engine warms up. The sensor’s resistance also can be checked with an ohmmeter and compared to specifications for various temperatures. If the sensor is not reading correctly, it needs to be replaced.
What does the Check Engine light on the coolant temperature sensor do?
Check Engine Light comes on The coolant temperature sensor, also known as the coolant temperature switch, is an engine management system sensor that is used to monitor the temperature of the engine’s coolant. Most coolant temperature sensors operate using electrical resistance to measure the temperature of the coolant.
There may be two temperature sensors in some vehicles, one to send information from the engine system to the control unit and another from the control unit to the dashboard. However, some vehicles dispense with the need for two temperature sensors by using just one sensor to do both tasks.