How to Locate, Check and Replace Coolant Temperature Sensor

If your car’s engine heats up too often and burns more fuel than it should, then it is time to check your coolant temperature sensor (CTS). The car’s coolant temperature sensor is one of the crucial parts of our vehicle. It is designed to measure and balance the heat inside the engine through coolant temperature. So follow along, and we will show you how to replace, check, and locate a coolant temperature sensor.

Coolant Temperature Sensor Function

As mentioned earlier, the coolant temperature sensor resistance checks the temperature of the coolant. The sensor is also responsible for absorbing the heat from the engine and that it works properly. It works like a thermistor, decreasing its internal resistance when the temperature increases and vice versa. 

When the coolant is at a very low temperature, the sensor prompts the system to use more fuel in the mixture. The mixture of fuel and air is different when cold than when hot.

How to Check Coolant Temperature Sensor Problems 

To see if the sensor is faulty or damaged, keep an eye on the following signs. 

Irregular Temperature Reading

The first clue is the engine temperature needle on the frame of your car. If this indicates a high temperature even when the engine is cold or the other way around, it warrants an inspection. In this case, the sensor might not be getting the right voltage, which can be checked with a voltmeter. The ideal coolant temperature sensor resistance values would be between 2 volts at the cold engine and 0.5 volts hot at the hot engine.

Poor Fuel Economy

A sensor’s job is to report the car’s coolant temperature accurately. In case the coolant temperature sensor goes down, it sends a false signal to the car computer. Usually, a bad fuel temperature sensor sends the computer a permanently cold signal even when the engine is hot. The computer works according to the signal it receives. It ultimately affects fuel economy and causes turbulence in engine performance. 

Unstable Idle

One of the common reasons for damaged coolant temperature sensor symptoms is that it surprisingly increases the consumption of the car’s battery without changing driving habits. This is why your car’s engine starts idling.

Black Smoke 

Another possible reason for a problematic coolant temperature sensor is black smoke from the engine. A damaged coolant temperature sends a cold signal which causes an excessively enriched fuel mixture. Such fuel cannot burn adequately in the combustion chamber exhaust pipes. It ultimately causes black smoke, which is also a warning for a faulty coolant temperature sensor. 

How to Replace Coolant Temperature Sensor 

The process of the replacement of a coolant temperature sensor is quite simple. The hard work, however, is in preparing the cooling system, both before and after the replacement. 

Location of Coolant Temperature Sensor

In some vehicles, the coolant temperature sensor location is around the upper section of the engine block or you can also find it around your car’s cylinder head. In some V8 and V6 engines, the coolant temperature is placed under the intake manifold. Here is all you need to know about cracked cylinder heads.

Tools Required for Replacing Coolant Temperature Sensor

• Replacement coolant temperature sensor
• Safety equipment, including safety glasses and gloves
• Coolant collection container
• Flat screwdriver
• Socket wrench set
• Funnel
• Jack gets up
• New coolant
• Work light
• Pliers

Besides these, you can also buy other car tools online in the UAE at reasonable rates.

Steps of Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement

Below are some easy steps that can help you in coolant temperature sensor replacement. However, It is advised to always check with a professional if you’re not a pro with a car’s mechanics.

1. Once you get all the equipment, now you are ready to change the coolant temperature replacement:
2. Park your vehicle in a safe area and let the engine cool properly.
3. Place the drain pan under the radiator and drain the coolant for about two to three quarts to drop the coolant level. Close the drain valve. This step will help you in minimising the coolant waste at the time of CTS removal.
4. Locate the coolant temperature sensor. 
5. Once you find the CT sensor, unplug it. For this purpose, you need to lose a retainer wire to unplug the connector. However, some CT sensors also use mounting clips that can be unplugged with a screwdriver. 
6. Firm a grip by using a six-point wrench or a deep socket. 
7. Install a new sealing washer by using a light coat of approved sealer or tape. The seal will help coolant safe from leakage. You can also consult the vehicle repair manual for further guidance.
8. Tighten the sensor with a six-point wrench or a line wrench. Also, don’t forget to torque the sensor as per the specifications listed in your vehicle’s repair manual. 
9. Connect the coolant sensor electrical connector.
10. Reinstall any components that you might have had removed to access the coolant temperature sensor.
11. It’s time to refill the radiator with fresh coolant or replace it with the one you previously drained.
12. Once you have fixed everything, start the engine, leave it on idle, and wait until the engine reaches the operating temperature. 
13. Also, check if the coolant is leaking around the thread. 
14. Lastly, take a drive and monitor the temperature gauge and verify if the coolant has completely repaired. 
15. We also recommend you recheck the coolant level after a few days of driving. 

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FAQs

What are the symptoms of a bad coolant temperature sensor?

Irregular temperature reading, unstable idle, black smoke, overheating engine and poor fuel economy are some of the symptoms of a bad coolant temperature sensor. 

What are the ideal coolant temperature sensor resistance values?

The ideal coolant temperature sensor resistance values would be between 2 volts at the cold engine and 0.5 volts hot at the hot engine.

What is the location of the coolant temperature sensor?

In some vehicles, the coolant temperature sensor is located around the upper section of the engine block or you can also find it around your car’s cylinder head. In some V8 and V6 engines, the coolant temperature is placed under the intake manifold.

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