Can a coolant temperature sensor work intermittently?

Can a coolant temperature sensor work intermittently?

No, it’s not necessary. However, there might be an intermittent fault related to the engine temperature control and it’s difficult to determine if it is the thermostat or the coolant temperature sensor. In this case, both are usually replaced at the same time.

How often do coolant temp sensors go bad?

about 100,000 miles
Often, the engine coolant temperature sensor must be replaced at about 100,000 miles. If you don’t properly maintain the engine cooling system, the sensor could fail much earlier.

How do you check a coolant temperature sensor?

You will search for the sensor within the engine block itself, using a drop light if you need help to see it better. Look at the front of the engine block in the middle of the pulleys. You will see a small terminal sticking out of the block with a wire lead coming from it. This is your coolant temperature sensor.

What happens if your coolant temperature sensor goes bad?

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.

What are the symptoms of a bad coolant temperature sensor?

Another symptom of a problem with the coolant temperature sensor is an overheating engine. The coolant temperature sensor can also fail in a manner that causes it to send a permanently hot signal. This can cause the computer to incorrectly compensate for a lean signal, which can result in overheating, and even misfires or engine ping.

What does a bad coolant temperature sensor do?

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.

What are the symptoms of a bad temperature sensor sensor?

Decrease Fuel Mileage. The temperature sensor is responsible for sending feedback information to the computer at specific resistances which will vary the engines power output causing the fuel mileage

When your coolant temperature sensor should be replaced?

Often, the engine coolant temperature sensor must be replaced at about 100,000 miles. If you don’t properly maintain the engine cooling system, the sensor could fail much earlier. If that happens, the check engine light will come on, and then a service technician will use a diagnostic scan tool to determine the problem.