![]() Engine OverheatingĪ malfunctioning coolant temperature sensor may send an incorrect “cold” signal to the ECU, tricking it into believing the engine isn’t hot yet. Here are the key symptoms that accompany coolant temperature sensor failure: 1. 8 Signs of a Faulty Coolant Temperature Sensor Now let’s discuss the eight signs of a faulty sensor that can take a toll on your car’s engine performance. ![]() Your car’s cooling system may have multiple coolant temperature sensors, with the primary sensor located on the engine block near the thermostat housing or the radiator. The ECM detects a change in the voltage signal from the sensor and uses it to control: Your car’s coolant temperature sensor usually has a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC), which means its resistance decreases with a rise in coolant temperature, resulting in a reduced voltage output signal. The ECM supplies the sensor with a constant reference voltage of 5V which the sensor converts into a suitable voltage signal according to the coolant temperature. It conveys this reading to the Engine Control Module (ECM), also referred to as the Engine Control Unit (ECU), which acts as the “brain” of your car. The coolant temperature sensor measures the temperature of the engine coolant through a resistor circuit. Hint – if you can’t find a temperature sensor in your car – this article should help.What Is an Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor? This aspect of preventative maintenance can certainly save you some headaches and hassle in the long run. You can always have your CTS replaced by an auto care professional. Even general wear and tear can cause the sensor to erode over time. If the engine sustains any kind of trauma or damage, sensor replacement is always recommended because you don’t want to risk running the vehicle with a faulty one. The sensor will eventually need to be replaced altogether after time. If you see the Check Engine sign light up, take your car in for professional servicing right away. Generally speaking, if your sensor is not working, it will send a signal to the computer and your Check Engine light will be illuminated. While this visual check can be helpful, it won’t help you diagnose every possible problem as some sensor malfunctions can present without visual evidence. If you know where the engine sensor is and what it looks like, you can conduct a visual inspection to see if it has developed any cracks or fissures. ![]() This can cause a range of problems, including overheating the engine. Additionally, it may signal the need for a richer fuel mixture or open the exhaust gas recirculation.Īs with any other component in your car, the sensor can go bad over time and fall into disrepair. From there, your vehicle’s computer will use this temperature information to either continue operating or adjust certain engine functions, always working to keep the engine temperature at an ideal level.Īs the control system receives the temperature from the CTS, it may trigger the cooling fan to either shut off or turn on. ![]() The temperature is then sent to the on-board control system. The sensor works by measuring the temperature that’s being given off by the thermostat and/or the coolant itself. The tip of the CTS is probably located right next to the engine coolant. On most vehicles, the coolant temperature sensor (CTS) can be found somewhere near the engine thermostat, which allows it to function optimally. But how does this car temperature sensor really work-and what’s its purpose? The sensor keeps tabs on the operating temperature and alerts the on-car computer when there’s a potential problem. You may not know-but hopefully, your vehicle coolant temperature sensor does. How hot does your vehicle’s engine get during an average drive? ![]()
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