How do I troubleshoot coolant temperature sensor problems?

Answer by  bug57 (1048)

If you car was manufactured after 1996, then a faulty coolant temp sensor will usually throw a check engine light. Beyond that, they're usually cheap- replace and check for proper operation.

Answer by  Diisruptor (249)

The easiest way to test a temperature sensor is to unplug the electrical wire from the back of the sensor. Let the car warm up for about 30 minutes and plug the electrical plug back into the sensor. If it is working properly the temperature gauge will shoot up to the normal temperature.

Answer by  tab65 (456)

You can troubleshoot coolant temperature sensor problems by watching the temperature gauge on your vehicle. When you first turn on the vehicle if should be cold and as the vehicle warms up it should slowly rise to the midway point between cold and hot. When the sensor is bad you will notice a problem with the needle rising steadily.

Answer by  coreyeleblanc (56)

first you need to determine if the sensor is reading correctly, is your engine coolant reading hot or cold? Locate the temp sensor and determine the actual temperature of the coolant, campare it to what the sensor is saying. If it is different than what the coolant temp is, replace the sensor

Answer by  Jsands1982 (871)

First check your wires for bare or grounded out connection. Ohms meter helps the best. If wires are fine. Then the next step is replace the sensor. sometimes the bottom of that sensor can get build build up. Cleaning it is not best. It may cause damage.

Answer by  Cardude (48)

Coolant temp sensor issues can be problematic. You first step would be to purchase a repair manual for the vehicle so you know which wires are which and have a diagram of the circuit. The manual should also provide which voltages should be seen from what wire at what time. It can be a long process.

Answer by  jijo67 (112)

First disconnect the wiring and starts the vehicle. Warm it up for at least thirty minute. Then connect it again. If this process not working replace the sensor

Answer by  kennethjgoodson (4903)

The ebst thing to do is to get a test light and make sure you have power going to the sensor. If you do you can change out the sensor and then make sure it fixes the problem.

Answer by  hitwonderful (102)

First you need to get yourself a repair manual to know what's what. Then, try to unplug the electrical wire from the back of the sensor. Let it warm up for about 20-30 minutes and plug the wire back into the sensor. If nothing serious is wrong with the sensor then the temperature should become normal.