What happens when coolant temperature sensor goes bad?

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. This will reduce fuel economy, and may hinder engine performance.

How do I know if my coolant temperature sensor is working?

Connect the black lead of the meter to the body of the cold sensor and the red to the terminal. You should have a reading of approximately 2000 ohms. Check the warm sensor in your engine. You should see a much lower reading on the ohm meter.

Where is the CTS coolant temp sensor usually located?

Step 1: Locate the Sensor The CTS is normally towards the front of the engine, near the radiator or thermostat housing. Because it’s a small component and is often located lower down inside the engine bay, you may need to use a light or torch to find it.

Can a coolant temp sensor read wrong?

A failed (ECT) sensor 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. This will cause the computer to think the engine is cold, even when it is not.

What does a bad coolant temp sensor look like?

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. If you noticed any of the symptoms mentioned above, you must take your vehicle to an expert mechanic.

Can you clean a coolant temperature sensor?

In most cases, sensors for your automobile will need to be replaced if they fail, but depending on the type of sensor and its location or function, some can be cleaned and reused. Sensors can come in many types and are used for a variety of systems on modern cars.

Is there a fuse for coolant temperature sensor?

There isn’t one per se. There will be a fused wire with voltage to the instrument cluster (your owners manual should indicate which fuse), but the temperature sensor is providing a variable “resistance to ground,” which the temperature gauge in the dash is reflecting.

Can a bad coolant temp sensor cause rough idle?

HOW THE COOLANT SENSOR AFFECTS ENGINE OPERATION. A faulty coolant sensor that always reads cold may cause the fuel control system to run rich, pollute and waste fuel. A coolant sensor that always reads hot may cause cold driveability problems such as stalling, hesitation and rough idle.

Can a coolant temperature sensor cause rough idle?

How do you clean a thermostat sensor?

Thermostats can be cleaned by first removing the cover. Second, take a very soft brush (paintbrush) or compressed air to gently clean between the contact points and/or lever switches.

Where are the coolant sensors on a C4 Corvette?

Sensor Values and Location. C4 Corvette Sensor Coolant Temperature. 185 Ohms @ 210F, 3400 Ohms @ 68F, 7,500 Ohms @ 39 F. Front of engine, below Throttle Body. 1985-91 Located Under Plenum. 1992-96 Located In Water Pump.

What should the temp of the coolant sensor be?

Check that the temperature value of the CTS is around 80-90c when the engine is hot. A lot of engine coolant temperature sensors have two wires and the sensor is controlled by Ohm. Get a wiring diagram and find out what ohms you should have at a specific temperature to check the function.

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.

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