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How do you diagnose a bad coolant sensor?

How do you diagnose a bad coolant sensor?

8 Symptoms of a Bad Coolant Temperature Sensor

  1. Check Engine Light.
  2. Poor Mileage.
  3. Electrical cooling fans not coming on.
  4. Black smoke from the exhaust pipe.
  5. Difficult starting condition.
  6. Engine overheats.
  7. Rough idle.
  8. Poor engine performance.

What’s the name of the coolant temperature sensor?

Coolant temperature sensors are also known as engine coolant temperature sensors or ECT sensors. The principle working of this sensor involves the use of an electrical resistance which measures the temperature of the coolant.

Can a car have more than one coolant sensor?

Some vehicles may have more than one temperature sensors, as sometimes different sensors are used to send the signals to the dashboard and the control unit of your engine system. This is optional and a manufacturer can use only one coolant temperature sensor to send the signals to both of these desired receivers.

How can I tell if my coolant temperature sensor is bad?

To diagnose the coolant temperature sensor, you need a repair manual for your car model to find what measurement values you should expect from the coolant temperature sensor. Connect an OBD2 Scanner and look for related trouble codes. Check the live data to see the temperature from the sensor.

How much does it cost to replace a coolant temperature sensor?

Unscrew the ECT sensor in an anticlockwise direction, similar to how a spark plug is removed. Install the new sensor and reconnect the connector cable. The average replacement cost of the Coolant Temperature Sensor is between $100 and $220. The labour cost is between $40 and $140 while the part itself costs between $50 and $80.

What does the coolant temperature sensor tell you?

The ECT sensor, also commonly just called the coolant temperature sensor, measures how hot the engine in your car is. Fuel delivery, ignition timing and engine performance are among the key elements affected by the information the coolant temperature sensor gathers.

Some vehicles may have more than one temperature sensors, as sometimes different sensors are used to send the signals to the dashboard and the control unit of your engine system. This is optional and a manufacturer can use only one coolant temperature sensor to send the signals to both of these desired receivers.

What should I do if my coolant sensor is bad?

So, check to make sure there’s no coolant leak before getting a new sensor. A faulty sensor should be replaced. Because the ECT sensor is submerged in coolant, the cooling system should be drained at this time and then refilled.

Unscrew the ECT sensor in an anticlockwise direction, similar to how a spark plug is removed. Install the new sensor and reconnect the connector cable. The average replacement cost of the Coolant Temperature Sensor is between $100 and $220. The labour cost is between $40 and $140 while the part itself costs between $50 and $80.

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Ruth Doyle