Best Automotive Replacement Coolant Temperature Sensors in 2022

Last update: January 15, 2023

Can a bad coolant temp sensor cause a misfire?

A bad coolant temp sensor can cause a misfire. If the coolant temp sensor is not working properly, it can cause the engine to run lean, which can cause a misfire.

Can a coolant temp sensor cause starting problems?

A coolant temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the engine's coolant and relays this information to the engine control unit. If the sensor is not working properly, the engine control unit may not be able to properly regulate the engine's temperature, which can cause starting problems.

Can you change coolant temperature sensor?

A coolant temperature sensor (CTS) is a sensor used to monitor the temperature of the engine coolant of an internal combustion engine. The temperature sensor is usually located on the thermostat housing or on the water outlet. It is a small sensor with two or three wires leading to it. The sensor works by measuring the temperature of the engine coolant and sending a signal to the engine control unit (ECU). The ECU then uses this information to adjust the fuel mixture and ignition timing.

Can you drive with faulty coolant sensor?

If your car's coolant sensor is faulty, it could trigger the engine to overheat. This could cause serious engine damage. It's best to get the sensor fixed as soon as possible.


ACDelco 213-4514 Professional Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Review:


On my 2003 Chevy Express Van with a 6.0 liter gas engine, I received the P0128 Coolant Temperature Not Hot Enough diagnostic. A nearby mechanic had changed the original thermostat a few weeks prior to the code appearing after he observed that my temperature gauge was showing low. Sadly, the thermostat wasn't the problem. Before I changed the old sensor, I used my diagnostic tool to check the coolant temperature. The new one that was put into the cold engine read 77 degrees Fahrenheit whereas the old one read 61. The old one was measuring roughly 154 hot, which led the computer to believe that the engine was running too cold, throwing the code, putting the engine into open loop, and reducing performance. Once I warmed up the engine, the new one read 194-198, while the old one measured around 154 hot. Now it runs much better.FYI, opening the hood is the quickest way to access the sensor. It is located on the driver's side cylinder head. It is located close to the #1 spark plug. After removing the connector, pry the sensor out using a 34" wrench.



ACDelco 213-928 GM Original Equipment Multi-Purpose Temperature Sensor Review:


Fit and finish are identical to OEM for the 1991 Chevy 1500 Silverado 350. Truck has been challenging to start for some time. Sometimes I had to floor the gas pedal to get the engine going, and then I had to lift the pedal until the engine smoothed out. More recently, it started idling quickly but was still operating normally. A week or so ago, it finally started to die as soon as I gave it gas after it warmed up. I could restart it fairly easily by cranking while stepping on the throttle, but it would emit a smoke (un-burned gasoline). Clearly, the truck was flooded (this tbi truck engine evidently is among those designed to clear intake by cutting fuel delivery when pedal is floored, which is why it would start with pedal to the metal). To keep the vehicle going for long enough to get it out of the driveway, one of the two injectors had to be disabled (one injector connector removed) (running on one injector worked, whereas on two the engine would die, indicating too much fuel was being injected). This is most certainly the cause of your no-start/hard-start/flooring-is-required-to-restart problem if you have strong spark at the plugs, proper timing, decent compression, fuel delivery, and a reasonably clean air filter (and you otherwise have good cranking). simple fix If your connector is as ancient as mine, be careful when removing it because the catch is fragile. Replace the old CTS as soon as the old one can be twisted by hand. When the engine is cold, minimal coolant loss is necessary (relieve pressure first if engine is warm). The correct tool is a 19mm deep 6 pt socket, albeit a 3/4 6 pt will do. My Silverado is running like new with this new CTS, and I anticipate getting much better fuel economy with this new ACDelco 213-928 CTS.



ACDelco 55591401 GM Original Equipment Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Review:


My 2015 Cruze LT was giving me trouble. The temperature gauge would be functioning, then drop to zero or chilly, and I'd receive an OBD code indicating that the A/C was shut down owing to a high temperature. Due to the fact that coolant was flowing through the engine, I ruled out a thermostat issue. However, there are three sensors: one on the driver's side, another on the radiator line connecting to the thermostat, and the third one is the thermostat itself. I modified all three of them simultaneously to make things simpler for myself. This one is for the drivers side output coolant valve, even though two of them appear to be identical. For the radiator hose that connects to the thermostat, dial 213-4688. This OEM part is perfect, and I purchased it on Amazon for half the cost of an off-brand from the local auto parts retailer. I ordered it through PRIME on Wednesday, and it was arrived on Friday.



13621433077 Coolant Temperature Sensor in Lower Radiator Hose Compatiable for BMW E87 E81 3er E46 E90 E91 5er E39 E60 F10 Review:


In my 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman S, I fitted this. The coolant temp sensor error code was being shown by the car. This one fit perfectly after I used a straightforward code reader to remove the code from the automobile. They informed me of the sensor I required using the VIN. Although the vendor erred, it wasn't really their fault. Midway through manufacturing, some of these vehicles underwent changes, and a new sensor was installed. Our VIN required a sensor with an angled plug emerging from the metal base, but that sensor is inoperable. The straight plug I purchased here functions. If you find yourself in the same situation as I did, hopefully this would be helpful. The only adjustment I made to this item was that the tabs on the side that lock it in place were just a little bit too large. This portion snapped into place after I slightly filed the plastic on the tabs. With the component from this listing, I just completed a 700-mile road trip with no troubles. Just a quick aside that is unrelated to this passage. To access this section, you must first remove a few other plugs. The computer will issue a new code for "Crankcase breather Circuit Open" if you don't fully plug them in. The code will be fixed if you make sure to VERY thoroughly push all of your little plugs back together. In the photos, the straight sensor is the one I removed from my car, whereas the angled sensor is the one from the dealer. The dealer claimed that this component was housed inside the thermostat, but that is also incorrect. The metal elbow next to the thermostat casing is where you'll find this sensor. I also provided a photo of it. This was made far more difficult than it needed to be by the mid-year change to these autos. Shame on Mini Cooper for failing to update their system to indicate the precise parts these vehicles require.



Dewhel Aluminum Black Water Temp Meter Temperature Gauge Joint Pipe Radiator Sensor Adaptor Clamps 38mm Review:


Infiniti G35 X - AWD 5/AT 4dr, 2007.My installation of an electric water temperature gauge went without a hitch. I got a 34mm radiator hose, which turned out to be too small, and then upgraded to a 38mm, which fit snugly, because I could not find the size (in mm) of my radiator hose elsewhere. I went ahead and put it in the upper radiator hose, which I had just replaced with a brand-new one. When cutting, be sure to take out a 3 cm segment from the hose where the adaptor should go. If you don't, your hose will be overly lengthy and you could kink the line.The metal pipe straps that came with this adapter were inadequate for my radiator hose and I had to purchase larger ones from a hardware store, which worked perfectly. Make sure to regularly tighten the clamps if you use worm-screw clamps, as I did (or the ones this adaptor comes with). DO NOT TIGHTEN TOO MUCH. The worm-screw clamp gradually loosens itself over time as a result of temperature variations.In order to stop leaks, I additionally used two wraps of PTFE yellow seal tape to cover the sensor probe threads. The probe I bought fit into the threaded hole perfectly, however it was difficult to tighten the probe because the hex drive would run into the tiny silver grounding screw as it went deeper. This was a great hassle, but after some time, I managed to solve it.ENSURE THAT THE ADAPTER HAS A GROUND WIRE! The majority of inaccurate readings are caused by poor probe grounding. I strung a wire from the grounding screw on the adaptor to an unpainted screw on the car's frame.I have created some schematics to show you how I placed my water temperature gauge, and I thought you would find them useful.



DOICOO Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Fit 89422-20010 for Toyota 4Runner Avalon Camry Corolla Highlander Land Cruiser Matrix RAV4 Sienna Lexus ES GS IS LS LX RX SC 250 300 330 400 470 430 450 Mazda Review:


my 2000 Prerunner, fit. Although this sensor can be challenging to locate and appears to be challenging to repair, it wasn't too bad. It is located close to the injectors, on the front left top of the engine, under the belt cover. The belt cover (and top radiator hose) should be removed before you remove one of the fuel rail bolts and loosen the other to move it out of the way, as I seen in a YT video. Naturally, unplug the clip before removing it with a 19mm or 3/4" deep wall socket. Please take note that this information is only provided for reference. I'm not a mechanic, and I'm not liable for any issues you run into as a result of my information. I'm just sharing information that I found useful when purchasing this item in the hopes that it may be helpful to others.



Beck Arnley 158-0629 Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Review:


I used this in my 2004 Passat 2.8, my son's 2002 Golf 2.0, and my 1.8-liter 225-horsepower Audi TT. If your automobile is displaying cooling codes, this is the component you need to repair. Although it is not the only possibility, it is a highly typical cause of the codes (p2181,p1296,p1136). It includes an o-ring. We received the green ones, which corrected the codes for us. Your thermostat or the coolant itself may occasionally be the cause of the problems you are seeing. Price and free Prime shipping are unbeatable. To ensure that my parts fit properly, I always check them on RockAuto.


Can you replace coolant temp sensor without draining coolant?

If your coolant level is low, topping it off may solve your overheating issue without having to remove the sensor. If the coolant level is fine, then the sensor will need to be replaced. Draining the coolant is necessary in order to remove the sensor.

Does coolant temp sensor affect idle?

A coolant temp sensor monitors the temperature of the engine's coolant and sends a signal to the engine control unit. If the coolant temp sensor is not working properly, it can cause the engine to idle erratically.

Does the coolant temp sensor control the fan?

The coolant temp sensor does not control the fan. The fan is controlled by the engine computer. The coolant temp sensor tells the engine computer the coolant temperature so the engine computer can adjust the engine timing and fuel mixture.

How do you reset the temperature gauge on a car?

If your car's temperature gauge is reading higher than normal, there are a few things you can do to reset it. First, check the coolant level and make sure it is full. If it is low, add more coolant and check for leaks. If the gauge is still reading high, the next step is to check the thermostat. If it is stuck open, it will need to be replaced. Finally, if the gauge is still not reading correctly, you may need to replace the sensor.

How do you test a coolant temperature sensor?

To test a coolant temperature sensor, you will need a multimeter. First, locate the sensor and disconnect the wire harness. Next, use the multimeter to test the sensor for continuity. If the sensor is working properly, the multimeter should register continuity. If the sensor is not working properly, the multimeter will not register continuity.

How long does it take to change a coolant temperature sensor?

It takes about an hour to change a coolant temperature sensor. You'll need a few tools, including a socket wrench, to remove the old sensor and install the new one.