#Engine coolant temperature sensor how to#
#Engine coolant temperature sensor driver#
#Engine coolant temperature sensor professional#

The steps below demonstrate how to change a faulty coolant temperature sensor in your car. Replacing a coolant temperature sensor is a simple process for anyone who is familiar with the components of an engine, and can be done right on your drive. How to Replace a Coolant Temperature Sensor

#Engine coolant temperature sensor professional#

If in any doubt about which component is faulty beneath the bonnet, take your car to a professional mechanic for a complete diagnosis. Limited performance (caused by ECU miscalculating fuel rich mixture).Overheating engine (highlighted by dashboard gauge).Irregular reading of the dashboard gauge (should be 88-90☌ when the engine is warmed up).While a visual check can help to diagnose some faults, not all problems with a CTS show visible symptoms.īelow, we list the other signs and symptoms which could indicate a CTS issue: The CTS is usually found at the front of the car, near the thermostat housing, or on the radiator. Start by having a look at the unit itself to check its condition, as sensors/gaskets/connectors can develop cracks with extended use and continual temperature cycling. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot the signs of a faulty or failing temperature sensor, before it can cause further problems which could prove more expensive to fix. A faulty sensor can lead to a range of problems developing, including overheating and poor engine performance. Like any component under the bonnet, coolant temperature sensors can develop faults over time. How to Spot a Faulty Coolant Temperature Sensor

This information is also used to send an accurate reading of the engine temperature to a gauge on the dashboard. The ECU uses this reading to calculate the coolant temperature, and from there adjusts the fuel injection, fuel mix, and ignition timing, and controls when the electric cooling fan is switched on and off. The resistance of the sensor varies with temperature, this is how the ECU can monitor temperature changes. To get an accurate reading of the current engine temperature, the ECU sends a regulated voltage to the CTS. The sensor works with the vehicle’s ECU, continually monitoring the coolant temperature to make sure the engine is running at the optimum temperature. What is a Coolant Temperature Sensor and How Does It Work?Ī 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 to Replace a Coolant Temperature Sensor?.

How to Spot a Faulty Coolant Temperature Sensor?.

What is a Coolant Temperature Sensor and How Does It Work?.

In this guide, we take a closer look at coolant temperature sensors, offering information on what they do and how they work, and step-by-step advice on diagnosing and replacing a faulty sensor yourself. But how do cooling systems know when the engine is operating at the right temperature?

#Engine coolant temperature sensor driver#

Every driver knows that coolant/antifreeze is needed to keep an engine at optimum temperature.