How do you replace a coolant temperature sensor?

How do you replace a coolant temperature sensor?

Position the coolant temperature sensor in the engine block. Tighten gently, as over tightening will damage the sensor and cause it to give faulty readings. Plug the electrical wiring into the replacement sensor.

Can a corroded coolant temperature sensor be a warning light?

Certain makes of automobile do not have an engine temperature gauge on the dashboard, and in these vehicles, the engine temperature is indicated by a warning light once it becomes too high. A corroded coolant temperature sensor will give an incorrect reading.

Where can I find the coolant temperature sender?

Locate the Coolant Sensor There are usually only three places the coolant temperature sender can be located which is: In or near the thermostat housing, in the cylinder head or in the intake manifold. To find where the sensor is located check Google images or you can use an online service like Mitchell1.

How does the engine coolant sensor work in a car?

This information is then sent back to the main computer PCM so adjustments can be made to the engine timing and fuel injector pulse width which controls fuel consumption and engine performance. It will also control the gauge reading or engine temperature light on the dashboard. What Goes Wrong?

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.

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 is the function of a coolant temperature sensor?

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.

Where is the coolant temperature sensor located on a BMW?

BMW E90 models utilize a radiator outlet temperature sensor that’s located in the right side radiator hose. The sensor monitors coolant temperature as it leaves the radiator.

Can a bad coolant sensor cause a car to not start?

Some cars use the engine coolant temperature sensor to control the electric cooling fans. You have two separate temperature sensors for the fans, dashboard gauge, and engine management in most cars. However, if your car has a single sensor, a bad engine coolant temperature sensor may result in your fans won’t start at all.

Can you change the coolant in a radiator?

Although you may have collected the radiator coolant when you drained it from the radiator, it is highly recommended that you add new coolant. This will ensure that the coolant temperature sensor will work correctly. Add new coolant, mixed with distilled water as recommended by your specific vehicle manufacturer.

How can I tell if my coolant sensor is dead?

Check resistance when the engine is cold and note the reading. Plug the sensor back in, start the engine an allow idle for a few minutes. Shut the vehicle off and repeat the resistance test, a working negative coefficient sensor will read a smaller resistance value. If your reading is unchanged, your sensor is dead.

Can a bad coolant sensor be a problem?

You can have a bad sensor even without a “check engine” light or trouble code. We could tell you how to test it, but they’re so cheap (about $15) and easy to replace, that it makes more sense to just replace an engine coolant temperature sensor.

How to replace a coolant temperature sensor on your Radiator?

Once you’re radiator has been drained, make sure to replace your drain plug or reinsert the petcock before proceeding. This will ensure you don’t forget to complete this step before adding more coolant once the coolant temperature sensor has been replaced. Step 7: Remove electronic harness from the temperature sensor.

Can a broken coolant sensor starve the engine?

A permanently open (broken circuit) coolant sensor will starve the engine of fuel. Luckily, this is a simple repair on most vehicle models. You can replace a bad CTS in your car following a few simple guidelines and precautions.

Although you may have collected the radiator coolant when you drained it from the radiator, it is highly recommended that you add new coolant. This will ensure that the coolant temperature sensor will work correctly. Add new coolant, mixed with distilled water as recommended by your specific vehicle manufacturer.

How much torque does a coolant sensor need?

If the sensor is threaded in tighten the sensor to 10 to 15 foot pounds of torque. Do not over tighten the sensor or you will crack the porcelain which will cause the sensor to send false information to the computer.

A permanently open (broken circuit) coolant sensor will starve the engine of fuel. Luckily, this is a simple repair on most vehicle models. You can replace a bad CTS in your car following a few simple guidelines and precautions.

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.

How do I change the coolant temp sensor?

Part 2 of 3: Remove and replace the coolant temperature sensor Make sure vehicle is on a level working area. Locate the coolant temperature sensor. The first item that needs to be completed after you compiled all of your tools and assets is to locate the coolant temperature Jack the front end for clearance. Remove radiator cap and overflow cap. Drain the radiator. Replace drain plug.

What does a bad coolant sensor do?

A failing coolant temperature sensor will prevent a vehicle’s engine from entering a closed loop. This will cause the vehicle to run rich meaning the engine’s fuel mixture will have a higher percentage of fuel to air which will result in diminished fuel economy.

Let’s Get Started

1. Release the Cooling System Pressure. Locate and slowly remove the cooling system pressure cap to relieve the system of any residual pressure.
2. Locate the Coolant Sensor.
3. Remove the Electrical Connector.
4. Remove the Coolant Sensor.
5. Install the New Coolant Temperature Sensor.
6. Refill the Cooling System.

Is it hard to change a coolant 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.