What does engine coolant temperature sensor do?
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.
How does a coolant temperature sensor work?
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.
How do I know if my coolant temperature sensor is working?
Connect the black lead of the meter to the body of the cold sensor and the red to the terminal. You should have a reading of approximately 2000 ohms. Check the warm sensor in your engine. You should see a much lower reading on the ohm meter.
Can I drive my car with a bad coolant temperature sensor?
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.
How much does it cost to replace coolant temperature sensor?
The average cost for engine coolant temperature sensor replacement is between $134 and $155. Labor costs are estimated between $83 and $105 while parts are priced at $51.
Can you drive without a temperature sensor?
Most automobile mechanics will tell you it is not a good idea to drive your car without a thermostat installed. If your thermostat becomes stuck in the closed position, though, this will cause your engine to overheat and make driving your car impossible.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?
- Leakage from the mounting surface. Appearance: Seepage, drips or large coolant bleed marks on or around the mounting surface or on the housing.
- Rust and corrosion. Appearance: Rust and corrosion on the surfaces of the thermostat.
- Deposit build-up.
- Map-controlled thermostats.
Will an engine overheat without a thermostat?
Running an engine without the thermostat can cause the engine to overheat due to the coolant passes through the engine too fast and will not let the coolant absorb the heat from the engine. If both are okay then you need to verify good flow of coolant through the radiator.
What are the symptoms of a bad coolant temperature sensor?
Symptoms of a Bad Coolant Temperature Sensor If your vehicle starts to use a lot more gasoline than usual, or black smoke is starting to come from the exhaust pipe, these are indicators that the coolant temperature sensor in your vehicle could be defective, and needs to be replaced.
How do you fix a coolant temperature sensor?
Let’s Get Started
- Release the Cooling System Pressure. Locate and slowly remove the cooling system pressure cap to relieve the system of any residual pressure.
- Locate the Coolant Sensor.
- Remove the Electrical Connector.
- Remove the Coolant Sensor.
- Install the New Coolant Temperature Sensor.
- Refill the Cooling System.
Can a coolant temperature sensor cause rough idle?
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.
What are the symptoms of a faulty cooling fan switch?
Bad Cooling Fan Relay Symptoms
- The engine runs hot or overheats.
- The cooling fans don’t work.
- The cooling fans keep running.
- Warning lights.
- Poor air conditioning performance.
- Swapping Relays.
- Measuring the Relay Coil’s Resistance.
- Listening for Noises.
What tells the cooling fan to come on?
engine temperature
Is it normal for radiator fan to turn on?
To avoid a further rise of temperature, the fan induces air flow. The fan turning on is normal and a consequence of the hot coolant, not a cause. The coolant may not be moving due to a water pump problem, blockage in the radiator or hoses, or a stuck valve, i.e., the “thermostat” in the coolant line.
Should radiator fan turn on when AC is on?
Both radiator fans should always run when the AC compressor is engaged. To check the temperature at which the fan comes on, turn the A/C off and keep the engine running until it reaches normal operating temperature. Most fans should come on when the coolant reaches about 200 to 230 degrees.
Why does my radiator fan only turn on with AC?
Most likely the temperature sensor that operates the fan under normal circumstances is faulty. The AC controls may operate the fan from a place in the control circuit after the normal temp sensor so everything is OK when the AC is on. Also the Fan may be on continuously when the AC is operating.
Can a bad thermostat cause radiator fan not to work?
If the thermostat is stuck open (allowing coolant to flow) it can cause the engine to run cooler than normal so obviously the fan wouldn’t come on…..but not like the engine/coolant can be running too hot and the thermostat somehow effects the sensor reading or operation of the fan.
How long does it take for the cooling fan to turn on?
Turn the air conditioning to the maximum setting – this should spark the cooling fan to immediately come on. In older cars, this typically takes about 15-20 minutes for the engine to reach the right temperature.
How do I know if my fan relay is bad?
One of the first symptoms commonly associated with a bad or failing cooling fan relay is an engine that runs hot or overheats. If you notice that your engine is running at higher temperatures than normal, that may be a sign that the relay is not functioning properly.
What causes cooling fans not to come on?
Six things may prevent an electric cooling fan from coming on: Defective temperature switch, coolant sensor or other sensor. Engine thermostat is stuck OPEN (engine never gets hot enough to turn on the fan) Faulty fan relay.