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 I know if my coolant sensor is bad?
- Poor Fuel Economy. …
- Irregular Temperature Readings. …
- Black Smoke from Your Exhaust. …
- Your Engine is Overheating. …
- Your Check Engine Light is On.
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.
Can you drive a car with a bad coolant temperature sensor?
It is possible to drive a vehicle
with a faulty coolant temperature sensor as the management system defaults to a static reading. A vehicle's coolant sensor is a critical component used by the engine management system. It directly affects, cooling and fueling of the engine and therefore affects how the engine performs.
How do I know if my coolant temperature sensor is working?
You will search for the sensor within the engine block itself, using a drop light if you need help to see it better. Look at the front of the engine block in the middle of the pulleys. You
will see a small terminal sticking out of the block with a wire lead coming from it
. This is your coolant temperature sensor.
How much does it cost to replace 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.
How long does a coolant temperature sensor last?
Often, the engine coolant temperature sensor must be replaced at
about 100,000 miles
. If you don't properly maintain the engine cooling system, the sensor could fail much earlier.
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.
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 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.
Can a coolant temp sensor cause starting problems?
The sensor will not cause a no start
. It could cause a hard start and a rich or lean condition only.
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.
How do you trick a temperature sensor?
Alternatively if that doesn't work and you're feeling salty about it,
put a cup of ice below it
, or tape an cold pack ( like the ones you use for lunch box) to it because it will trick the sensor into thinking it's colder than it is, and will engage the heat.
How do I test my coolant thermostat?
Start your car's engine and allow it to idle. Look
through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows
. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.
What type of sensor is a coolant temp sensor?
The coolant temperature sensor is fastened to the intake manifold of an engine coolant and is often referred to as a
negative temperature coefficient type of sensor
. In terms of resistance capacity, this coolant sensor has 20,000 ohms at 248 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much does it cost to replace car thermostat?
The cost of getting a thermostat replaced in a car is
about $200 to $300 on average
. Of course, this will also greatly depend on the make, model, and year of the vehicle that you're driving.
