how do i replace engine coolant temperature sensor?

[llamaking122]

im going to be attempting replacing it this next weekend. so how do i go about replacing it. do i need a special socket? what about thermostat should i do it at this time?

 

[FIND]

No special socket...

Have your new one ready and taped so you can put it in immediately.

Unscrew your old one and put that one in as quick as possible and you won't hardly lose any coolant.

Replace your thermostat if you have problems with your ex not reaching temperature or overheating. I also replace thermostats whenever I do a water pump.

 

[1AJeremyD]

I would say if you are concerned about the thermostat then I would replace it. I'm taking a guess that you never ended up replacing it

 

[llamaking122]

I never did end up replacing it because I'm getting good heat (nice and toasty) but my gauge barely gets into the meter. And when on the freeway there is no fluctuation my clutch fan is seized so it's running all the time

 

[fullmetal6]

There are 2 coolant sensors, one for the computer and one for the gauge. The Gauge one is a strait shot if you move the clamp on the heater hose out of the way first. The other one is a bit harder as part of the thermostat housing is in the way. So long as the engine is cool you should not have much if any fluid come out as both are at the very top of the engine.

 

[FIND]

There are 2 coolant sensors, one for the computer and one for the gauge. The Gauge one is a strait shot if you move the clamp on the heater hose out of the way first. The other one is a bit harder as part of the thermostat housing is in the way. So long as the engine is cool you should not have much if any fluid come out as both are at the very top of the engine.

You are correct.... sorry, I wasn't thinking. I just was giving out the generic ECT changing advice....

 

[LivingVader]

I have a '94 and my temp gauge keeps rising to hot while I'm sitting, but when I start driving it cools again (obviously the wind cooling the block). But when I checked under the hood for any steam or smoke, I didn't find anything. I already priced out the thermostat, sending unit and coolant sensor. I'm also thinking water pump. Any ideas what I'm trying to look at? I was going to do the sensor first and go from there but there may be something I'm missing.

 

[natenkiki2004]

Maybe the fan clutch leaked out all it's special sauce and no longer engages when it needs to.

 

[Wolfie_85]

If your fan clutch is shot, and it's blowing full force all the time, it will keep your gauge from rising because you will always be running cool (especially in winter conditions). This isn't hard to fix, or even expensive. I would pick a clutch that can adiquitely cool an auto transmission, if equipped. There are three grades, if I recall. I wouldn't use the lowest with anything but a manual transmission (cooling is important for the A4LD in these).

All that being said, if you have issues with the sensor, go ahead and replace it (couldn't hurt). Thermostat is easy and cheap, too.

 

[jd4242]

Yea if your clutch is bad you will run colder and you will see fluctuations on the highway. .on the highway your get plenty of air to cool the water plus the fan so your over cooling it..when the thermostat opens a rush of COLD water comes in showing a fluctuation till the thermostat closes and the water heats back up, showing a fluctuation again...

To me sounds like everything is working fine besides your fan clutch...



EDIT...NEVERMIND. ..hello OLD thread...