About the coolant/radiator temperature sensor:
The coolant temperature sensor (or temperature switch) is a small sensor that measures the temperature of engine coolant. It then sends the information to your car’s onboard computer where changes are made to the fuel injection and ignition timing. This helps to maximise engine fuel economy, emssions and performance.
The coolant temperature sensor also helps your engine to protect itself in the event of it overheating. When the temperature gets too high, the sensor will detect the changes and reduce engine performance to create as little additional heat as possible.
The coolant temperature sensor is also used in conjunction with the temperature gauge on your dash and any engine overheating warning lights on your dashboard. On modern cars the coolant temperature sensor is read by the engine control unit (ECU) / engine computer. If the engine computer detects that the engine is over heating it will most often turn on the Check Engine Light and possibly an engine overheat light symbol on the dashboard to warn the driver of an engine overheating problem.
The coolant temperature sensor also tells the onboard computer whether the cooling fan should be activated or not. This helps to balance the temperature and prevent the engine from reaching high levels.
Learn more about the coolant temperature sensor >
Symptoms of a damaged coolant temperature sensor:
Higher engine temperature – If the coolant temperature sensor fails, the engine’s performance will suffer dramatically as the cars engine computer dose not know the actual car engine temperature. Therefore the car engine control unit (ECU) will be in “limp mode” and forced to use default tables to estimate engine temperature based on engine running time. This will increase emissions, reduce engine performance and increase fuel consumption.
Reduced fuel economy – The onboard computer’s fuel calculations can also be affected by a malfunctioning temperature sensor. This can result in the engine using more fuel than needed, resulting in a rich fuel mixture.
Check engine light – If a faulty temperature sensor causes the fuel mixture to become too rich, the check engine light may turn on. This will often be accompanied by improperly burnt fuel leaving the exhaust as black smoke. You may also notice your engine running rougher than normal.
Engine hard to start – the engine car computer needs to know when the car’s engine is cold in order to inject the right amount of fuel. If the engine coolant temperature sensor fails where the engine computer thinks the engine is warm / hot, then your engine may become difficult to start. This can be easily diagnosed by plugging a scan tool into your car and reading the fault codes and live data.
How important is a coolant temperature sensor repair?
Any type of fault that increases your fuel consumption, emissions and reduces engine performance / reliability is worth fixing as soon as possible. This is because the increased fuel use will cost you more money over time. Additionally, replacing the faulty coolant temperature sensor can improve engine health and prevent it from sustaining serious damage when overheating.
New Coolant Temperature Sensor Installation in Hamilton
Do you think that your coolant temperature sensor is not working correctly?
At Grimmer Motors, we can examine and replace your vehicle’s malfunctioning coolant temperature sensor. This will allow for improved fuel economy, emissions and engine performance, reliability and health.
Our team of talented, skilled and dedicated mechanics can quickly diagnose faults in your engine and cooling system with the help of advanced diagnostic scan tools. This means that we can easily and accurately diagnose/fix problems in your car.
For installation/replacement of your new coolant temperature sensor, contact Grimmer Motors today!