What does the coolant temperature sensor on a Chevy do?

The coolant temperature sensor on a Chevrolet engine is used by the vehicle’s computer to determine how hot or cold the coolant flowing through the engine block is at any given time, so that the computer knows how to properly run the engine.

Why do I need a computer in my Chevy Silverado?

The computers in the car are also known as ECUs or electronic control units. The features of the automotive networks are controlling the engine or transmission, rolling up windows, unlocking doors, etc. So, to have a smooth working of these functions, you need an automotive computer in your Chevy Silverado.

Why is the Check Engine light coming on on my Chevy Silverado?

In a nutshell, if your car’s check engine light keeps coming on after the repairment, it suggests that the trouble code is still in the memory. And, you have to clear this code out of your car’s PC. Having a car computer in your Chevy Silverado helps you in so many ways.

How are sensors used in an automotive computer?

The automotive computer gets information from so many sensors, which includes – air pressure sensor, oxygen sensor, air temperature sensor, engine temperature sensor, throttle position sensor, and knock sensor. Through these different sensors, the automotive computer can control various tasks.

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.

Can a coolant temperature sensor be replaced at home?

Replacing the coolant temperature sensor is an easy process that anyone can do at home with some basic mechanic’s tools. Be sure the cooling system is not pressurized and cooled completely. Remove the lead coming from the terminal and loosen the sensor with a socket or wrench. Replace with a new one and get back on the road in no time.

What should coolant temp be when engine is hot?

With a good OBD2 code reader, you can also check the live data and the parameters of the CTS sensor. 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.

How to troubleshoot the engine coolant temperature ( ECT ) sensor?

This article will help you to troubleshoot the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor on your GM 4.3L, 5.0L, or 5.7L equipped pick up, van, mini-van or SUV. You can either use a multimeter or a scan tool (w/ Live Data capability) to diagnose the ECT sensor and/or trouble codes.

How many ohms should a coolant temperature sensor have?

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.

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 are the signs of a bad heater motor?

Common signs include the car’s heater not working or getting stuck on a certain speed, or something getting jammed in the blower motor. 1. Blower motor stuck on one speed 2. Blower motor does not work on certain settings 3. No air from the vehicle’s vents Average rating from 130,908 customers who received a Vehicle Engine Cooling Inspection.

Where is the motor for the heater blower located?

The motor that turns the blower is called the blower motor. It is located in the dashboard, usually on the opposite side of the steering wheel or inside the engine compartment on the firewall. The blower speed can be adjusted in almost every modern car.

Where is the solar heat sensor on a car?

If equipped, the solar sensor, on top of the instrument panel near the windshield, monitors the solar heat. The climate control system uses the sensor information to adjust the temperature, fan speed, recirculation, and air delivery mode for best comfort. Do not cover the sensor; otherwise the automatic climate control system may not work properly.

Where can I buy a Chevy Silverado coolant sensor?

Shop AutoZone for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Coolant Temperature Sensor. Buy online and pick up in store, or get fast, free delivery on qualified orders. 10% OFF $75. Use Code: DIYSAVE10 Online Ship-to-Home Orders Only

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.

What causes an engine code on a Chevy Vortec?

While this error code can be caused by a faulty camshaft position sensor (CMP) or crankshaft position sensor (CPS), the issue a lot of the time relates to engine timing. On older Chevy engines, specifically the 5.7 Vortec, for which this code is most common, the problem generally stems from the Distributor positioning.

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.

What should the coolant temperature of my car be?

This will likely be somewhere in the 160 to 190 degree range based on what your drive. Another thing to consider when watching your engine coolant temperature is what the engine cooling fans are set to.

How can I check the coolant in my car?

Get a device to plug into that port to read the coolant temperature. One of our favorites is made by Foseal and can be linked with an app on your phone like Torque which will allow you to see the value of various sensors in your car’s engine.

What causes the car temp gauge to overheat?

The temp gauge goes to overheat. Here is what has been done in the past two weeks. New thermostat, proper coolant, new radiator cap, sensor, and just installed a used gauge panel. Fan is plugged in….heat sensor gun shows normal temps.

What should the temp be on my GMC Truck?

After getting it back from having leaking intake gasket replaced, the temp would go up to 260 before it went back to 170 and then would sit for a little bit, go back to 210, back to 170, back to 245 or so, then back to 170, but It never seemed to run hot. I changed the thermostat with a brand new 190* from NAPA and it seemed to cure a little of it.

What happens when your coolant temperature sensor is bad?

The engine is very sensitive to wrong air-fuel mixtures at idle and this is a condition when you might notice that something is wrong with your engine coolant temperature sensor. The engine coolant temperature sensor can have a hard impact on the air-fuel mixture. A bad air-fuel mixture can also cause the engine performance to drop drastically.

What should the temperature of the radiator be?

The radiator and cooling system can maintain this temperature range with a liquid mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. When the temperature of the engine goes above 200 degrees, boiling of the coolant solution can cause overheating.

Where is the intake air temperature sensor located?

You’ll see it on mounted on the engine block. It can be cleaned using a wire brush when you entirely change your engine coolant (approx. every 80,000 km or 50,000 miles). The intake air temperature sensor (IAT) tells the ECM the temperature of the air that is going into the engine.

Where is coolant temp sensor on GM 3800?

Coolant Temp sensor (ECT) 9. Evap Purge Solenoid Typical engine data sensor and control component locations on the GM 3.8L 3800 v6 engine. Exact location may vary depending on vehicle year / make / model. Click on a number for a description of the component. A few related auto repair questions and answers.

Where is the low coolant level sensor located?

The low coolant level sensor is in the passenger side of the radiator. Below the radiator cap. It is a square black sensor that snaps into the radiator and held with a clip.

How does the cylinder head temperature sensor work?

Some cars use a cylinder head temperature or CHT sensor instead of, or in addition to the ECT sensor. The CHT sensor (see the photo) works the same way, but it measures the temperature of the cylinder head metal and is not immersed in coolant. This allows the CHT sensor to measure the temperature of the engine correctly even with loss of coolant.