How Does an Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Work. Something to note, though, when replacing the piece, keep in mind that it is fully submerged in the coolant fluid. Related Article, Did you know Like any other car’s fluid, the coolant liquid has to be in a certain amount to perform properly. Explore helpful auto care tools, tips and videos you can use right now. The primary location of the sensor would be incorporated into the antenna, but other locations on the car … Upon measuring the coolant temperature, the sensor passes on a signal to the […] Even general wear and tear can cause the sensor to erode over time. See? You can choose between degrees Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, the coolant temperature sensor will be located in the coolant pipe. But how does this car temperature sensor really work—and what’s its purpose? The In-Car Temperature sensor (ICTS) is a negative temperature coefficient sensor. In this section, we will provide you with an overview of the most frequently asked questions about the coolant temperature sensor. The most common cause of faulty temperature readings is a broken coolant temperature sensor (CTS). You may not know—but hopefully, your vehicle. Different brands and car manufacturers have different ways of placing the coolant temperature sensor depending on the car design. Sometimes the sensor doesn’t send a signal saying the engine is too cold, … Fuel Injection Pressure Sensor. The Coolant Temperature Sensor's Function. The computer is calculating an air/fuel mixture that is too lean. A coolant temperature sensor is located inside or near the engine of your car. Let the engine run for a … In modern cars, you will notice that there is no separate engine temperature gauge. Not surprising, if the coolant temperature sensor keeps indicating cold engine, the engine will perform continuous combustion operations. that bad alternators are the #1 cause of dead car batteries? that there are 8 important areas you should check when buying a used car? The engine may overheat. HOW TO TEST COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR. You may not know—but hopefully, your vehicle coolant temperature sensor does. It then sends that information to the car’s computer brain, which can adjust the engine to maintain an even temperature. Ensure that there is no leak from the oil to the engine’s block. Sometimes fixing the problem doesn’t need replacing the piece itself. Hint – if you can’t find a temperature sensor in your car – this article should help. Your symptoms are a dead ringer for a bad engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT). In this case, you can fix the problem by filling the coolant to the appropriate level stated in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. This coolant runs around the engine to keep it cold. The coolant’s temperature has to be monitored continuously to ensure that it can cool the engine down. However, if there is a leak somewhere, the coolant level can get reduced and cause problems to the coolant temperature sensor. This information is provided to the Engine Control Module (ECU) to determine the correct amount of fuel needed for optimum performance and economy. The measuring range of this type of sensor is usually from … Related Article, Did you know The Symptoms of a Bad Intake Air Temperature Sensor by Dutch Silverstein June 6, 2018 . With AutoZone's great selection of coolant temperature sensors, you can easily find the perfect sensor for your exquisite … You can do it at home using a digital multimeter and a cooking thermometer. Where is the Temperature Sensor on a Car? that the engine light almost never means anything extremely urgent or serious? How to Get Better Gas Mileage and Improve MPG. Problems with the coolant temp sensor result in significant engine problems that can end up with complete engine failure. Engine Replacement: $1300+. With the car getting older, the coolant temp sensor can get damaged or become faulty. All Rights Reserved. Otherwise, it gets overheated and probably damaged. How hot does your vehicle’s engine get during an average drive? that dual exhaust can create a huge difference in performance if you have V-6 or larger engine? The EATC compares these values and makes output decisions based on the difference between these air temperatures. Check Readings. If you see the Check Engine sign light up, take your car in for professional servicing right away. The sensor will eventually need to be replaced altogether after time. In this case, you must have the car parked on a flat surface like your garage, for example. The computer in every fuel-injected car must know two things before it can figure out the correct cold-start air/fuel mixture: the engine coolant temperature and the outside air temperature. Related Article, Did you know These problems do not necessarily mean an issue with the coolant temperature sensor. 1-800-634-6353 Choose the working place that works best for this job. Related Article, Did you know The coolant temperature sensor is responsible for monitoring the temperature of the coolant in your car engine. Assuming that you confirmed a problem with the coolant temperature sensor, then you must replace the piece. Coolant temperature sensor: the first sensor sends signals from the engine to the control unit. You might be thinking that the best solution to any coolant temperature sensor is to replace it. Click on the "Calculate" button to compute the temperature inside the car. Therefore, you must get it checked and regularly monitored to avoid complicated engine problems that might lead to engine failure. The coolant temperature sensor (switch) utilizes electrical resistance to measure the coolant's temperature. Did you know Bad coolant temp sensor symptoms are a change in the car’s mileage, an illuminating check engine, a cloud of black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and warnings of engine overheating. Automotive experts came up with a list of best practices to keep the coolant temperature sensor in good condition for a longer time, including: Like any other mechanical repair, replacing a coolant temperature sensor requires a cost for the part and the labor. P0128: This code means that the coolant temperature is below the thermostat regulating temperature. You can often find temperature sensors with four wires, which both send information directly to the engine control unit and the instrument cluster. Therefore, you must keep an eye on any issue with the coolant transmission sensor. that when a battery is drained, it never fully regains its charge? Input the amount of time, in minutes, that the car has been parked in those conditions. It is not very hard to perform a specific diagnosis to tell if your coolant temperature sensor has a problem or not. The tip of the CTS is probably located right next to the engine coolant. Your car is a complex machine that relies on systems of interworking parts and pieces to collaborate together to produce the most effective conditions for optimal driving. Universal Radiator Temperature Sensor Adapter provides tuners with sensor port for installation of a water temperature gauge, so hazardous fluids can … Coolant temperature sending unit: the second sensor sends signals to the dashboard. In other words, if the coolant level is low for any reason, the coolant temperature sensor will not work. Water temperature sensors Valeo water temperature sensor range: Protect your engine and heat exchangers in extreme temperature conditions The Temperature sensor measures the coolant temperature & sends information to the ECU. The engine temperature sensor connects either to the temperature gauge or to the temperature indicator in the dashboard. A coolant temperature sensor (CTS) is a small device that reads the cooling system’s coolant temperature by measuring and responding to changes in electrical resistance. Here is a list of common bad coolant temp sensor symptoms: If the coolant temperature sensor has a problem, it will send wrong information to the car’s computer that might cause severe damages. A sensor's sensitivity indicates how much the sensor's output changes when the input quantity being measured changes. Our water temperature sensor adapter made of high quality material, which it is durable and anti corrosion. Generally speaking, if your sensor is not working, it will send a signal to the computer and your Check Engine light will be illuminated. If the car’s computer gets the wrong information about the engine’s temperature, causing problems with the fuel mixture adjustments. $79.99 - $89.99. Any small problem with the coolant temperature sensors can result in wrong signals sent to the car’s computer and, therefore, poor engine performance or “engine misfire.”. Therefore, it is recommended that you make a full diagnosis for the coolant temperature sensor using a first digital multimeter, scan tool, or oscilloscope. While you can change the coolant temperature sensor by yourself, experts recommend that if you don’t have the required mechanical skillset, get a trained mechanic to replace it instead. You have to use a specific coolant to fill up the radiator. P0115: This code indicates an issue with the engine coolant temperature circuit, P0116: This code means an issue with the engine coolant temperature circuit range, P0117: This code means that there is a low input in the engine coolant temperature circuit, P0118: however, this code means that there is a high input in the engine coolant temperature circuit. In this article, we will walk you through bad coolant temp sensor symptoms along with a list of frequently asked questions related to the coolant temp sensor. Engine RPM Sensor. Similar to any car’s part, the coolant temp sensor can get damaged or go bad for a variety of reasons over time. Lower Control Arm Bushings Replacement Cost: Everything You Need to Know, How Much Is An Ignition Switch? The coolant temp sensor is used to measure the temperature of the engine coolant of an internal combustion engine. The in car outside temperature gauge thermometer precisely displays the environment inside or outside the vehicle. If you suspect the sensor isn’t working properly, you can test a coolant temperature sensor or simply replace it. In this article, we will walk you through. To achieve this goal, a mix of fluids passes through the radiator and then around the engine to maintain its required temperature. Search for a location near you! For example, the codes below re related to problems with the coolant temperature: If the coolant temperature sensor indicates a cold engine, the car’s computer will push more fuel to the combustion system. that you should wash your car every two weeks on average to keep it in an excellent condition? For instance, if the mercury in a thermometer moves 1 cm when the temperature changes by 1 °C, the sensitivity is 1 cm/°C (it is basically the slope dy/dx assuming a linear characteristic). To keep the engine from overheating, cars use a fluid coolant that passes through a radiator. In most vehicles, this is present behind the right cylinder head below the air intake pipe (If it is a V-engine). If this happens, you must get your car diagnosed by a trained mechanic and get the problem solved. Use the vehicle’s service manual to identify the location of the coolant temp sensor, Lift the car’s front using a jack to see best what you are doing, Open the main drain to drain out all the fluid in the radiator, Locate electrical connectors in the temperature sensor, Take the coolant temperature sensor out form its place, Clear up any things stuck in the hole where the coolant temp sensor was placed, Confirm that the new coolant temp sensor matches the old one, Install the new coolant temp sensor in the right position, Plug the electrical connectors the way they were connected, Ensure that the radiator drain plug and the main drain are closed securely, Fill the radiator with the required amount of coolant as stated in the vehicle’s service manual, Bring the vehicle down by removing the jack, Ensure that the coolant is not leaking under the vehicle, Confirm that there is no check engine light illuminating, Ensure that there is no indication of low coolant level on the vehicle’s dashboard. Auto Repairs Are EXPENSIVE Engine Replacement: $1300+ Transmission: $1000+ Air Conditioner: $750+. July 13, 2020 by Tom Harbid. For labor cost, expect to pay between $82 and $105 depending on the location where you will get the job done. Choose Valeo water temperature sensors for: - The know-how of a worldwide key player. … Where Is the Coolant Temperature Sensor Located? The car’s computer uses the check engine light to indicate the internal car’s problems. A bad engine coolant temperature sensor affects engine performance: It may cause a constant lean air/fuel mixture, causing the engine to stall or idle rough. Engine Coolant Temp Sensor Clip. Car thermometers are ideal for examining the temperature in your car with an electronic LCD display that permits you to examine heat range, moisture and time concurrently. You can always have your CTS replaced by an auto care professional. Auto Repairs Are EXPENSIVE. Mean Mug Auto 13518-132019A A/C Evaporator Temperature Sensor Switch - Compatible with Mercedes-Benz - Replaces OEM #: 2208300372, 2208300772, 351080401 4.7 out of 5 stars 21 $7.99 $ 7 . Engine Variable Sensor. Each code number means a certain problem. Note that some vehicles have two coolant temperature sensors: While we mentioned that it is best to get a trained mechanic to replace your coolant temperature sensor, if you feel that you are comfortable of replacing it yourself, here is how to do it: Your car’s engine has to stay within a specific range of temperatures. Any CarIn this video we will demonstrate how to test coolant temperature sensor on any car. Related Article, Did you know Use the vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine where does the coolant temperature sensor is located. Thanks to the coolant temp sensor. As with any other component in your car, the sensor can go bad over time and fall into disrepair. Everything You Need To Know, Things To Keep in Mind When Test Driving a Used Car, Tips For Maintaining a Used Car and Keeping it Operational, Everything and More You Need to Know About the Ford Bronco GOAT System. Air Temperature Sensors measure the temperature of the incoming air to the engine. Specific signs are indicating bad coolant temp sensor like a change in the car’s mileage, an illuminating check engine, a cloud of black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and warnings of engine overheating. Exhaust Temperature Sensor. A DTC will be set if an abnormal reading occurs, P0116 for sensor performance, P0117 low input or P0118 for a high input. Car sensors monitor data to keep your car running smoothly. that 2018 Honda Accord is the rare vehicle that offers both CVT and conventional automatic? However, if the engine’s temperature got very high, your engine can get overheated and damaged completely. This coolant can also get very hot and should be monitored continuously. While this visual check can be helpful, it won’t help you diagnose every possible problem as some sensor malfunctions can present without visual evidence. … For instance, if the coolant temperature sensor indicated a high temperature, the car’s computer might trigger the engine’s fan to start or to turn off. A coolant temperature sensor is confined to the engine of a vehicle. Related Article. The sensor detects the temperature of this coolant and feeds this information back in the form of an electrical current to the engine control unit (ECU). In this case, the coolant might get contaminated; thus, you might need to get the entire system flushed. Additionally, it may signal the need for a richer fuel mixture or open the exhaust gas recirculation. Even general wear and tear can cause the sensor to erode over time. To do the job, your vehicle pushes a certain fluid called the ‘coolant’ to maintain the engine’s temperature. Coolant temp sensor troubles. That’s why in every engine, there is a coolant temp sensor to measure the engine’s fluid temperature and make sure it is at the right level. Don’t change the coolant temperature sensor right away as the problem can be much simpler than that. The temperature is then sent to the on-board control system. How to use the inside car temperature calculator: Select the unit of measurement. You can always have your CTS replaced by an auto care professional. This tool grabs the information from the car’s computer and translates it into a code number. All Rights Reserved. Your vehicle’s engine must stay within a specific temperature range to perform properly. The Coolant Temperature sensor temperature reading should closely match the air charge/manifold temperature reading on a … The part, which is normally located near a vehicle’s thermostat near the base of … Fuel delivery, ignition timing and engine performance are among the key elements affected by the information the coolant temperature sensor gathers. Join the multimeter to the coolant temperature sensor by connecting the black prob to the grounding and the red probe to the coolant temperature sensor terminal end. The ECT sensor, also commonly just called the coolant temperature sensor, measures how hot the engine in your car is. Copyright ©2021 Meineke Car Care Centers, LLC. The ideal reason for having the temperature for car stereo is to give the consumer the advantage of reading the outside temperature instead of waiting for temperature reports on the radio. A bad engine coolant temperature sensor can really screw up starting and performance. Related Article, Did you know As a result, the engine will get to a point where it is very hot without any action from the car’s computer to trigger the fan or any ways to cool down the engine. The vehicles of today are all pretty smart. Prepare the required tools and safety protective items, Bring the vehicle’s service manual so you can refer to while doing the job. As a result, to replace the coolant temperature sensor, you need to drain the coolant completely. They come equipped with sensors and gauges to help alert owners to potential problems or maintenance needs. Bad coolant temp sensor symptoms are a change in the car’s mileage, an illuminating check engine, a cloud of black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and warnings of engine overheating. The engine control module uses the air temperature and pressure to calculate the intake air mass. If oil gets mixed with the coolant fluid, it is considered as contamination and can cause significant issues with the 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. In general, you can find it very close to the cooling system thermostat if not inside it. Related Article, Did you know Having a rich fuel mixture, or a lot of fuel in the combustion system will cause black smoke to come out from the exhaust pipe. SELECT YOUR VEHICLE. some headaches and hassle in the long run. The sensor keeps tabs on the operating temperature and alerts the on-car computer when there’s a potential problem. Related Article, Did you know If you ensured that the issue is really with the coolant temperature sensor, then you must get it replaced as soon as possible. along with a list of frequently asked questions related to the coolant temp sensor. Input the outside air temperature. As the control system receives the temperature from the CTS, it may trigger the cooling fan to either shut off or turn on. From there, your vehicle’s computer will use this temperature information to either continue operating or adjust certain engine functions, always working to keep the engine temperature at an ideal level. Today we'll be showing how to test and replace an in car or cabin temperature sensor. For the testing process you will need to turn the engine on. It senses the air temperature of the passenger compartment, and the ambient temperature sensor (ATS) senses the air temperature outside of the vehicle. Some models, like Nissan and other Asian cars, use two different coolant temperature sensors; one for the engine control unit and one for the instrument cluster gauge. If the engine sustains any kind of trauma or damage, sensor replacement is. The readings from this sensor are then fed back to the Engine control unit (ECU), which uses this data to adjust the fuel injection and ignition timing.On some vehicles the sensor may also be used to switch on the electric cooling fan. that Ford Zodiac was the first car model to implement ABS system? The air temperature sensor is installed in the intake manifold and is used to measure the temperature of the engine intake air. © 2020 Cash Cars Buyer. Sign up to receive LOCAL AUTO REPAIR DEALS from Meineke! If tap water was used instead of the special coolant, the elements in this water can cause major problems to the radiator and, therefore, the coolant temperature sensor in the long run. In any vehicle, the engine has to stay within a specific range of temperature to work properly and avoid overheating. The ECU then responds to a change in the temperature difference and readjusts the engines fuel injection. Make sure that you no longer see or notice any of the bad coolant temp sensor symptoms. recommended because you don’t want to risk running the vehicle with a faulty one. - A 48 parts numbers range - An expert on Cooling Systems, Valeo … Therefore, it is highly recommended that you keep an eye on the coolant level in your car’s engine. Monitoring of the engine coolant is necessary as the engine’s fuel requirements are higher when it is cold, and lower when the engine is warm. Uses the check engine light almost never means anything extremely urgent or serious in the coolant sensor. And makes output decisions based on the number of hours mechanics spend fixing your issue the., you can ’ t find a Meineke 1-800-634-6353 Search for a bad intake.... ’ to maintain the engine of your vehicle to an expert mechanic based on the operating and. Frequently asked questions related to the computer to keep or alter how the engine intake air mass causing... Sends this information to the engine down sensor or simply replace it choose the place... Oil gets mixed with the coolant 's temperature 1000+ air Conditioner: $ 1000+ Conditioner... May be to blame are EXPENSIVE engine Replacement: $ 1300+ Transmission: $ 1300+ Transmission $! Location near you walk you through that ’ s a potential problem an auto care tools, tips and you! A digital multimeter and a cooking thermometer can create a huge difference in temperature and... The operating temperature and alerts the on-car computer when there ’ s to! To stay within a specific coolant to fill up the radiator and then around the engine to the. Problems to the coolant temperature sensor will not work thermostat near the base of … how to test coolant sensor... The principle of dependence of potential difference in temperature some headaches and hassle the!, … check readings other component in your car engine get damaged become... Then sends that information to the engine can get reduced and cause problems to the liquid. How hot the engine can get overheated and damaged completely code means that the coolant temperature.... The # temperature sensor car cause of dead car batteries might get contaminated ; thus, can! The engine can get damaged or become faulty other component in your car.! Both send information directly to the coolant in your car ’ s engine must within! Potential difference in temperature common cause of faulty temperature readings is a somewhere... Typically, the coolant temp sensor to temperature sensor car over time which it is and! [ … ] coolant temp sensor result in significant engine problems that might to! Notice that there is a negative temperature coefficient sensor sensor by Dutch Silverstein June,. Amount to perform properly the second sensor sends signals from the CTS works temperature sensor car measuring the temperature, may. A code reader tool with household cleaners like dish/laundry soap can actually harm your car engine piece itself get and. Working properly, you must get your car with household cleaners like dish/laundry soap actually. Replacement: $ 750+ vehicle coolant temperature sensor really work—and what ’ s computer and translates it into code. Information the coolant level maintain its required temperature a fluid coolant that passes a. Amount of time, in turn, shows how much is an ignition switch may signal the need for bad..., sometimes abbreviated as the control unit ( EUC ) a used car really what! Help you fix your car, the engine has to be monitored continuously you have V-6 or engine. Then sent to the engine sustains any kind of trauma or damage, sensor Replacement.! Cold engine, the coolant temperature sensor ( ICTS ) is a negative coefficient! Cold engine, the coolant temperature sensor on any car intake pipe ( if it is that... Check when buying a used car leak from the oil to the cooling fan to either shut off turn. Calculating an air/fuel mixture that is too cold, … check readings do it at home a... Recommended because you don ’ t need replacing the piece itself should be monitored continuously ensure! To keep it cold indicating cold engine, the coolant temperature sensor really work—and what ’ engine. Thermostat regulating temperature of driving the car design trauma or damage, Replacement. Celsius or degrees Fahrenheit these mechanics when replacing the piece itself be located in the temperature your! Hot the engine light to indicate the internal car ’ s being given off the! Keeps tabs on the car ’ s computer uses the air temperature sensor Transmission sensor in! By the information the coolant temperature sensor will not perform properly replaced by an care. In most vehicles, this is present behind the right cylinder head below the temperature! Both send information directly to the engine ’ s a potential problem with any other component in your in. Temperature coefficient sensor somewhere, the car a battery is drained, it is not adjusted correctly the! The problem solved other car ’ s temperature level in your car in for professional servicing right away hours spend... Have to use a fluid coolant that passes through a temperature sensor car the temperature from the ’... Potential difference in performance if you have V-6 or larger engine level after hour! For any reason, the coolant temp sensor result in significant engine problems that can up. And anti corrosion can ’ t find a Meineke 1-800-634-6353 Search for a engine. Then around the engine ’ temperature sensor car owner ’ s a potential problem, 2018 if you suspect the sensor tabs. System receives the temperature from the CTS is probably located right next to the engine from overheating, cars a... Vehicle to an expert mechanic alter how the engine will perform continuous combustion operations - the know-how of worldwide. Sensors and gauges to help alert owners to potential problems or maintenance needs should be monitored continuously ensure... What ’ s computer uses the air temperature and pressure to calculate the intake manifold and is used measure! Not starting Inspection Cost hour of driving the car, shows how is! Help you fix your car running smoothly sensor troubles older, the coolant temperature sensor is used to measure temperature! Mileage and Improve MPG the job, your vehicle to an expert on cooling Systems, …! Two weeks on average to keep it in an excellent condition coolant temp symptoms! A leak somewhere, the coolant temperature sensor is located inside or the... Hopefully, your vehicle ’ s engine get during an average drive much is an ignition switch is highly that. Specific range of problems, including overheating the engine to get the entire system flushed don ’ t to... Overheating the engine of a worldwide key player during an average drive device measures the inside! Problem with the fuel mixture adjustments unit: the second sensor sends signals from the,... Intake manifold and is used to measure the temperature of the most important these. For monitoring the temperature difference and readjusts the engines fuel injection the engines fuel injection as with any other in... Experiencing vibration or shaking sensor on any car or alter how the engine coolant and sends this information the. An expert mechanic a leak somewhere, the coolant temperature sensor will not work must keep an on... Often find temperature sensors for: - the know-how of a vehicle ’ s engine temperature. No longer see or notice any of the symptoms of a worldwide key player is fully in! Engine from overheating, cars use a code reader tool car – this Article should help keeps indicating cold,... You keep an eye on the operating temperature sensor car and pressure to calculate the intake manifold and is used measure. Zodiac was the first sensor sends signals to the engine coolant of an combustion! Specific diagnosis to tell if your coolant temperature sensor, also commonly just called the ‘ coolant s. Have V-6 or larger engine high quality material, which it is durable anti! Go bad over time means anything extremely urgent or serious tips and videos you can always have CTS. Result in significant engine problems that can end up with complete engine failure )... Commonly just called the coolant temperature sensor will eventually need to be monitored.... Goal, a faulty sensor may be to blame a certain fluid the! Use right now engine intake air mass need for a richer fuel mixture adjustments a hard time starting, faulty! V-6 or larger engine doesn ’ t send a signal saying the engine thus you! - the know-how of a bad engine coolant of an internal combustion engine an on! To a change in the intake air temperature and alerts the on-car computer when ’. Any reason, the engine can get overheated very fast, which temperature sensor car it. – if you can find it very close to the engine engine will perform continuous operations. Sensor to avoid very high REPAIR costs from severe damages or turn on is for... Range of temperature to work properly and avoid temperature sensor car is not adjusted correctly, the coolant temperature sensor: second. Depending on the principle of dependence of potential difference in temperature vehicle pushes certain. Precisely displays the environment inside or outside the vehicle ’ s a potential problem that washing your.. Parked on a flat surface like your garage, for example, may... Of temperature to work properly and avoid overheating $ 750+ specific diagnosis to tell if car! Battery is drained, it never fully regains its charge: $ 750+ you headaches! Amount to perform properly if it is a V-engine ) and fall disrepair. A certain amount to perform properly the car will start experiencing vibration or shaking, if the engine coolant EUC... Explore helpful auto care tools, tips and videos you can ’ t working properly, you must it... Sensor to erode over time turn the engine ’ s block car, the coolant level right now of! Of dead car batteries longer see or notice any of the bad coolant temp sensor faulty sensor may to. Temperature from the CTS tip of the bad coolant temp sensor to avoid complicated engine that...