It is possible to drive a vehicle with a faulty coolant temperature sensor as the management system defaults to a static reading. A vehicles coolant sensor is a critical component used by the engine management system. It directly effects, cooling and fueling of the engine and therefore effects how the engine performs.
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.
Will a car start with a bad temperature sensor?
The sensor will not cause a no start . It could cause a hard start and a rich or lean condition only.
Is it expensive to fix a coolant temperature sensor?
The average price for an engine temperature sensor replacement is between $150 and $193 . Labor costs are between $82 and $105 while parts are between $66 and $88. Taxes and fees aren't included in the estimate.
What does coolant temp sensor do?
A coolant temperature sensor (CTS) (also known as an ECT sensor or ECTS (engine coolant temperature sensor) is used to measure the temperature of the coolant/antifreeze mix in the cooling system , giving an indication of how much heat the engine is giving off.
How do you know if your coolant temp sensor is bad?
Bad coolant temp sensor symptoms are 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. Your vehicle's engine must stay within a specific temperature range to perform properly.
How long does it take to replace a coolant temperature sensor?
The actual process of replacing the coolant temperature sensor is extremely simple. However, the difficult work comes in the preparation of the cooling system – both before and after. Tip: This job should only be completed when the engine is cold and has not been running for a minimum of one hour .
How do I know if my temperature sensor is working?
- Poor Fuel Economy. ...
- Irregular Temperature Readings. ...
- Black Smoke from Your Exhaust. ...
- Your Engine is Overheating. ...
- Your Check Engine Light is On.
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.
How much does it cost to replace coolant thermostat?
You will pay between $150 and $200 to have your thermostat replaced. The labor should be around $125, while parts should cost you, on average, about $45.
Does the coolant temp sensor control the fan?
The sensor works by measuring the temperature that's being given off by the thermostat and/or the coolant itself. The temperature is then sent to the on-board control system. ... As the control system receives the temperature from the CTS, it may trigger the cooling fan to either shut off or turn on.
How do you check a coolant temperature sensor?
Gently lower the end of the sensor into the water until the entire device is fully submerged . Wait a minute or so for the screen to give you a reading of the cold water. Once you have a reading, write down the measurement for reference. A common reading for a temperature sensor in cold water is around 5 volts.
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.
How do you fix coolant temperature?
- Let the car's coolant cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Locate the thermostat.
- For better clearance, jack up the front end of the vehicle.
- Remove the radiator cap.
- Drain the radiator, according to instruction sin your car's repair manual.
- Remove the thermostat.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?
- Leakage from the mounting surface. Appearance: Seepage, drips or large coolant bleed marks on or around the mounting surface or on the housing. ...
- Rust and corrosion. Appearance: Rust and corrosion on the surfaces of the thermostat. ...
- Deposit build-up. ...
- Map-controlled thermostats.
How do you fix coolant over temperature?
- Kill the A/C and crank the heat. Immediately turn off the air conditioner to reduce stress on the engine. ...
- Find a safe place to pull over. Pull over and shut off the car. ...
- Check and add coolant (if you have it). ...
- Restart the engine.
