How does the engine coolant sensor work?
Coolant (or antifreeze) is vital to keeping your engine from
overheating. But for the engine to be cooled to the correct level, its temperature needs to be measured. This is where the coolant temperature sensor comes in.
The engine coolant temperature sensor is a small but important part of your car’s cooling system. Its purpose is to work with your car’s electronic control unit (ECU) to monitor engine temperatures, allowing overheating and underheating to be detected. The ECU sends a small current to the coolant temperature sensor. The resistance of the engine coolant sensor changes depending on the temperature of the engine. The ECU then detects the resistance, adjusting engine operation to create an ideal air / fuel ratio.
Coolant temperature sensor location
When should the coolant sensor be replaced?
Sensors generally last a long time. Providing no electrical faults or other issues occur, they may even last the life of your vehicle. However, wear and tear can cause the coolant temperature sensor to fail. When the sensor fails, the temperature of your vehicle may not be regulated correctly. This can lead to overheating, abnormal engine behavior and many other issues.
Most vehicles do not have a recommended replacement interval for the coolant temperature sensor. This means that is should only be replaced if it fails. For this reason, it is important to be able to understand and identify the symptoms of it not working
Symptoms of a bad coolant temperature sensor:
- Inaccurate Temperature Readings: One of the primary functions of the coolant temperature sensor is to measure the temperature of the engine coolant and send that information to the engine control unit (ECU). If the sensor is faulty, it may provide inaccurate readings or erratic temperature signals, leading to incorrect temperature readings on the dashboard gauge or temperature display. Depending on your car, this may be accompanied by warning lights on your dashboard.
- Engine Overheating or Overcooling: A malfunctioning coolant temperature sensor can result in improper engine cooling. If the sensor provides a falsely low reading, the ECU may not activate the cooling fans or engage the radiator properly, leading to engine overheating. Conversely, a falsely high reading may cause the cooling system to operate excessively, resulting in overcooling and reduced engine efficiency.
- Difficulty Starting or Cold Start Problems: The coolant temperature sensor also helps the engine management system determine the appropriate fuel mixture for starting the engine, especially during cold starts. If the sensor is faulty, it may provide incorrect information to the ECU, leading to difficulties in starting the engine or problems with cold starts.
- Poor Fuel Efficiency: The coolant temperature sensor contributes to the engine’s fuel management system by providing data to adjust the air-fuel mixture. If the sensor is not functioning properly, it can affect the fuel mixture calculation, leading to improper fuel delivery and reduced fuel efficiency.
- Check Engine Light: A malfunctioning coolant temperature sensor can trigger the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system and illuminate the check engine light on the dashboard. This can occur when the sensor provides readings outside the expected parameters, indicating a potential problem with the cooling system.
Benefits of Coolant Sensor Replacement Service:
Replacing a faulty coolant temperature sensor offers the following benefits:
- Accurate temperature monitoring for optimal engine cooling.
- Improved engine performance, power, and fuel efficiency.
- Early detection of cooling system issues.
- Prevention of engine damage caused by inadequate cooling or overcooling.
- Reliable and smooth cold starts, especially in cold weather conditions.
- Enhanced overall vehicle reliability and longevity.
Car Engine Coolant Sensor Replacement Service in Hamilton
Is your car in need of a new coolant temperature sensor? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our team of skilled mechanics can remove your old, faulty sensor. We can then replace it with a brand new one. This will prevent your engine from under performing, significantly extending its lifespan and avoid decreased fuel consumption, increase engine power and decreased exhaust emissions.
For new engine coolant sensors in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!