Symptoms of a faulty engine management system temperature sensor
* Check engine light on. The check engine light is a warning light that indicates a problem with the vehicle's emissions system. A faulty engine temperature sensor can cause the check engine light to come on.
* Engine running rough or stalling. A faulty engine temperature sensor can cause the engine to run rough or stall because it is not getting the correct temperature readings.
* Engine overheating. A faulty engine temperature sensor can cause the engine to overheat because it is not getting the correct temperature readings.
* Increased fuel consumption. A faulty engine temperature sensor can cause the engine to run richer than normal, which can lead to increased fuel consumption.
* Poor emissions. A faulty engine temperature sensor can cause the engine to produce more emissions than normal.
How to troubleshoot a faulty engine management system temperature sensor
If you suspect that your vehicle's engine management system temperature sensor is faulty, you can troubleshoot the problem by following these steps:
1. Check the sensor for damage. Inspect the sensor for any damage, such as cracks or leaks. If the sensor is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
2. Test the sensor. You can test the sensor by using a multimeter to measure the resistance across the terminals. The resistance should be within the manufacturer's specifications. If the resistance is out of specifications, the sensor will need to be replaced.
3. Clean the sensor. If the sensor is not damaged or has incorrect resistance readings, it may be dirty. Clean the sensor with a cleaner specifically designed for cleaning electrical components.
4. Reconnect the sensor. Once the sensor is cleaned, reconnect it to the wiring harness.
5. Clear the trouble codes. Use a scan tool to clear the trouble codes from the vehicle's computer.
If the check engine light comes back on after clearing the trouble codes, the engine temperature sensor will need to be replaced.
