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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.
What happens when coolant temperature sensor goes bad?
If the coolant temperature sensor malfunctions, it can transmit a false signal to the computer. And the response of the computer may unbalance the timing and fuel calculations. It is also common for a coolant temperature sensor to fail without warning and send permanently cold signals to the computer.
What are the symptoms of a bad temperature sensor?
Bad Coolant Temperature Sensor Symptoms Check Engine Light. Poor Mileage. Electrical Cooling Fans not coming on. Black Smoke from the Exhaust Pipe. Difficult Starting Condition. Engine Overheats. Poor Idling. Poor Engine performance.
How do I know if my temperature sensor is working?
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.
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 coolant temperature sensor cause no start?
The sensor will not cause a no start. It could cause a hard start and a rich or lean condition only.
How long do coolant temp sensors 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.
Can a bad coolant temp sensor cause high idle?
Yes it could. But there is a easy way to check before replacing parts, use a live data OBDII scanner to watch the engine temp, that will show you what the ECU is reading. Just because the gauge reads normal does not mean the ECU reads the correct temp.
What type of signal is given by engine coolant temperature sensor?
Working principle of the ECT sensor After the engine start, coolant temperature begins to rise. ECT gradually heats and its resistance reduces proportionately. At 90 ºC its resistance is in the range of 200Ω to 300Ω. Thereby, a coolant temperature dependent variable voltage signal is send to the onboard computer.
Why is my engine coolant temperature light on?
When the coolant temperature warning light goes on, the engine is seriously overheated, which can be caused by overheating, lack of cooling water or a cooling system that is having trouble. At this point, you need to park your car in a safe area with shade (if it’s summer) to open the bonnet.
Does temperature sensor turn on fan?
The temperature that’s being given off by the thermostat is what the sensor works on. The on-board control system gets the temperature. The cooling fan may be turned on or off when the control system receives the temperature from the CTS.
What tells the cooling fan to come on?
The engine temperature should trigger the fan to turn on. It will also turn the fan off once the engine has cooled to under 200 degrees. You may have heard of a part called the radiator fan switch or temperature fan switch. This is linked to a thermostat and works much like your home’s HVAC system.
What sensors can cause a car not to start?
A bad Crankshaft Position sensor is a common cause of no starts. The signal from this sensor goes to the PCM or ignition module that switches the ignition coil(s) on and off. If you have an RPM signal, a bad ignition module or PCM may not be switching the coil(s) on and off.
Can you drive on a faulty 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 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 many temperature sensors does a car have?
There are two temperature sensors in some vehicles, one to send information from the engine system to the control unit and another from the control unit to the dashboard. The device follows the principle of dependence of potential difference in temperature.
Can you replace temperature sensor?
Depending on the engine, you may have to remove part of the plastic air intake tubing. Locate the coolant temp sensor. It is usually near the thermostat housing but can be placed near any engine cooling passage. Insert the new sensor.
Can a bad coolant temp sensor cause misfire?
Engine Overheating The coolant temperature sensor can also fail in a manner; that causes it to send a permanently hot signal. As a result, causing the computer to incorrectly compensate for a lean signal. All of which can result in overheating, and even misfires or engine ping.
Can a bad coolant temp sensor cause overheating?
Engine Overheating If the coolant temperature sensor malfunctions, it could cause your car engine to get overheated. While sometimes a faulty sensor sends a permanent cold signal to the engine, it can also send a permanent hot signal.
Can you bypass a temperature sensor?
You can bypass it with a regular resistor, but you have to know the value associated with the thermister. To find the value: -Disconnect the thermister, and apply a meter to it and read initial resistance value.
Where is the low coolant sensor located?
Underneath the air intake pipe and behind the right cylinder head is where the Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is located.
