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.
What problems can a bad coolant temperature sensor cause?
Your Engine is Overheating
While a failing engine coolant temperature sensor may give a
permanent cold signal
, it can also malfunction in a way that sends a hot signal when your engine temperature is safe.
Can you drive with a bad coolant sensor?
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.
Can a car run without a coolant temperature sensor?
Unplugging the engine coolant sensor while the
car is running will likely cause the engine to stumble and run rough
. … You may also notice the engine fan turn on and off intermittently. The engine will run rich, so you'll smell raw gas, and you may see black smoke from the tailpipe.
What does a temp coolant sensor do?
Coolant temperature sensors are used
by the fuel management system to detect the engine's operating temperature
. Depending on the sensor information, the control unit adapts the injection time and firing angle to the operating conditions. The sensor is a temperature sensor with a negative temperature coefficient.
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.
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 much does it cost to replace coolant 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.
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
.
Do you need to drain coolant to change coolant temperature sensor?
Open the radiator valve and drain about two to three quarts of coolant. You only need to remove enough to drop the level below the sensor. Then
close the drain valve
. This will minimize coolant waste when you remove the sensor.
Can a bad coolant temp sensor cause hard start?
The sensor will not cause a no start
. It could cause a hard start and a rich or lean condition only.
Can a coolant temperature sensor cause rough idle?
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. … This also affects engine performance and fuel economy.
How do you check a coolant temperature sensor?
If you have a new sensor on hand and want to check it, you can do this easy test.
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.
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.
What are signs of a bad thermostat?
- #1 – Temperature Gauge Reading Higher (or Lower) Than Normal.
- #2 – Sudden Air Temperature Changes Inside Vehicle.
- #3 – Coolant Leaking.
- #4 – Rumbling Noises.
- #5 – Heater Malfunction.
What causes a temperature gauge to stop working?
The most common cause of faulty temperature readings is
a broken coolant temperature sensor (CTS)
. The part, which is normally located near a vehicle's thermostat near the base of the radiator (consult your owner's manual or repair guide) can get gunked up and fail. … Disconnect the temperature sensor's wiring connector.
