8 Signs Of A Bad Or Failing Coolant Temperature Sensor
Engine coolant temperature sensors are essential for optimal performance in your car. The task of an engine coolant temperature sensor is to measure the coolant temperature of the engine control module.
Using this information, the engine control module will be compatible with temperature-dependent air fuel mixtures. Like other components, the ECT sensor can also be damaged, causing some engine problems. Therefore, it is recommended to inspect your car immediately to avoid serious problems. Insufficient coolant temperature sensor symptoms
The most common symptoms of insufficient coolant temperature sensors include poor mileage, cooling fan, and engine power issues. Includes an overheating engine for the engine, and a check motor light for the dashboard.
Here is a more detailed list of bad or missing coolant temperature sensor signs that you need to search for.
1. Check the motor light
One of the first signs of all symptoms of coolant temperature sensors is that you will probably notice, when you check the motor light it will appear on the dashboard.
If your computer is aware of a problem with the sensor circuit, light the engine check. This indicates that the car needs to be inspected. If you see a check engine on your dashboard, it’s time to use the OBD2 scanner to check for error codes. 2. Mileage is bad
A failed ECT sensor can send an incorrect signal to an onboard computer, which can lead to an incorrect air fuel mix. For example, a broken sensor can send a signal indicating that if it is not, the engine will be cold and the fuel will increase and the engine will heat up quickly. This reduces fuel consumption and reduces engine power.
3. Electric cooling fan does not arrive
Some cars use engine coolant temperature sensors to control electric cooling fans. Most cars have two independent temperature sensors for the fan, a dashboard knife and engine management. However, if your car has a single sensor, if the coolant temperature sensor on the engine is bad, the fan will not start.
4. Black smoke from the exhaust pipe
The engine temperature signal is incorrect, allowing the ECU to address the points in which the fuel mixture will have difficulty in the combustion process. Excessive fuel burns in the exhaust pipe, creating thick black smoke.
5. Hard start conditions
The amount of fuel injected into the engine is extremely important the moment you start the car. If the air mixture is incorrect, starting a car may be difficult or impossible.
6. Motor overheating
The cooling fan behind the radiator grille removes heat from the engine coolant. This fan is electrically controlled and is based on the signals from an onboard computer. If the fan receives an incorrect signal, the fan may not be turned on and the engine overheated. Some vehicles have separate coolant temperature sensors for the fans, but many use the same sensor.
7. Bad idol
The ECT sensor is incorrect, so the fuel mixture is set. This means that the engine will vibrate or shake when the car is slow and leads to other power losses and strange behavior. The engine is very sensitive to fake air fuel mixtures when idling. This is what happens if you find something wrong with the engine’s coolant temperature sensor.
8. The engine output is poor
Engine coolant temperature sensors can have a significant impact on the air fuel mixture. Insufficient air mixture can cause a dramatic drop in engine power. If the engine power appears to be unprecedented, this can be due to a failed engine coolant sensor.
What is the temperature sensor for an engine coolant? Coolant temperature sensors are also known as engine coolant temperature sensors or ECT sensors. This sensor uses electrical resistance to measure the coolant temperature. These measurements create data essential to the vehicle’s engine system.
Coolant temperature sensor location
Various brands and automakers have different ways to place coolant temperature sensors depending on the design of the car.
How can I diagnose a failed engine coolant sensor? To diagnose a coolant temperature sensor, you will need a repair manual for your car model to find the measurements you should expect from a coolant temperature sensor.
1) Connect the OBD2 scanner and look for the relevant problem code. Check the live data and check the sensor temperature. If you are far from the area, check the cable and replace the sensor.
2) Refer to the service manual to find the vehicle’s coolant temperature sensor.
3) Locate the coolant temperature sensor and remove the plug-in plug.
4) If your coolant temperature sensor has two pins, try measuring the ohm value between these two pencils. 5) Check the repair manual for correct ohm values ​​at specific temperatures.
6) If the value is incorrect, replace the sensor.
7) If it appears in order, check the cables and connections between the coolant temperature sensor and the engine control module.
How long does it take to replace a coolant temperature sensor?
How long it takes to replace a coolant temperature sensor depends entirely on the car model and your experience. However, most coolant temperature sensors take about 30 to 60 minutes to replace.
Will the engine coolant temperature sensor keep a car from starting?
Yes, a bad coolant temp sensor can prevent the engine from starting. For example, if it’s very cold outside, but the sensor tells the ECM that it’s warm, it won’t inject enough fuel to start the engine.
Do you have to drain the coolant to replace the temperature sensor?
Yes, in most car models you need to drain the coolant to replace the temp sensor. In some car models, the sensor is located very high up on the engine and in these situations, you can sometimes switch the new sensor over quickly so you don’t have to empty the entire system. Only work on your car engine when the coolant is cold.
Is there a fuse for the coolant temperature sensor?
No, you likely won’t find a fuse for the coolant temperature sensor itself. You can find a fuse for the engine control module though, which sends the signal to the coolant temperature sensor.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, take your car in for a checkup as soon as possible. A bad coolant temperature sensor can cause your vehicle to overheat.
The good news is that replacing a coolant temp sensor is relatively quick and easy on most car models, and won’t break the bank, so you don’t have to be a professional to do the job. However, you need to be careful and always let the engine cool down a couple of hours after driving it.
