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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.Oct 23, 2017
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.
To replace the ECT sensor, you are going to pay, on average, $95-$140. How much you pay depends on the type of car you own and where you go for servicing. Each mechanic has their own rates, and they may be getting their parts from a variety of vendors, which can change how much the parts cost you.
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.
If you have starting problems and the ‘check engine’ light doesn’t come on, you may have a bad engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT). They’re quick and easy to replace.
The sensor will not cause a no start. It could cause a hard start and a rich or lean condition only.
If you notice more fluctuation in your engine temperature or it looks higher or lower than usual while you’re driving, it could be the engine coolant temperature sensor. In particular, if your engine doesn’t seem to be warming up as it typically does, you should have a mechanic take a look at your cooling system.
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. … This also affects engine performance and fuel economy.
You may drive your vehicle with a P0128 trouble code. You will not notice any issue except for maybe the temperature gauge never reaching normal levels, and possibly the Check Engine light being illuminated.
Ohmmeter-Testing
Start with a cold engine. With the ignition off, disconnect the wiring connector from the (ECT) sensor. Attach an ohmmeter across the sensor’s terminals. Measure the sensor’s resistance and record the reading.
The engine may run in fail-safe mode:
Many Check Engine light codes related to the (ECT) sensor; could also be caused by other reasons. Such as a bad thermostat or issues with the cooling system; including even a leaking head gasket.
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.
Engine Overheating
While sometimes a faulty sensor sends a permanent cold signal to the engine, it can also send a permanent hot signal. The computer will again miscalculate the signal and cause the engine to heat up instead of cooling it down.
The most common reason for the coolant light to become illuminated is simply that the coolant level is too low. There may be a floating sensor in your coolant tank that triggers the warning light when the level drops. … Low coolant levels are usually caused by leaks, either in the reservoir or somewhere in the lines.
Faulty readings from the coolant temperature sensor can cause your car’s engine to miscalculate the fuel to air mixture within the engine. … If the amount of black smoke emitting from your car is excessive, then you should not drive your car and you should tow your vehicle to a mechanic.
The actual process of replacing the coolant temperature sensor is extremely simple. However, the difficult work comes in the preparation of the cooling system – both before and after. Tip: This job should only be completed when the engine is cold and has not been running for a minimum of one hour.
The most common sensors that will stop your car from starting include the camshaft sensor, the crankshaft sensor, the mass air flow (MAF) sensor, the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor and the throttle position sensor.
It is possible to drive a vehicle with a faulty coolant temperature sensor as the management system defaults to a static reading. A vehicles coolant sensor is a critical component used by the engine management system. It directly effects, cooling and fueling of the engine and therefore effects how the engine performs.
Decrease in power, acceleration and fuel efficiency
A faulty rail sensor may upset the air fuel ratio and cause the vehicle to experience performance issues such as a decrease in power, acceleration, and fuel efficiency, and in some cases may even experience stalling.
If you find that you’ve got a car running hot but not overheating there might be a few reasons: Clogged or damaged radiator. Low coolant level. Damaged water pump or thermostat.
Another symptom of a bad or failing ambient temperature sensor is inconsistent cooling. … If the ambient temperature sensor fails or is sending out an inconsistent signal, then the AC system may have trouble maintaining cool and comfortable cabin temperatures.
Operating temps on most cars are between 185 to 220. With out looking it up I’d say the K24 shoould be right around 190-195. Although 202 is not bad.
The cooling of the air conditioner should not be affected by the engine cooling temperature.
Low engine coolant can alter the engine running temperature enough to signal trouble code P0128. Your intake air temperature sensor, coolant temperature sensor and coolant fan could also signal this trouble code, so these should be inspected after you look over your thermostat and coolant level.
The most common cause for P0128 is the engine coolant thermostat is stuck open. … When the thermostat does open, the hot coolant should start to flow and quickly warm up the radiator hose. If the radiator hose heats up slowly, the thermostat is stuck open or opening prematurely and needs to be replaced.
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.
The acceptable range for an engine to run at sits between 195 degrees and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. This assumes a person is running a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water.
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. Taxes and fees aren’t included in the estimate.
the most noticeable issues occur when the thermostat gets stuck in either the open or closed position. a malfunction can result in a trouble code, generated by the engine’s computer, which can turn on your check engine light.
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