To make sure that your vehicle is operating in the best condition possible, make sure to go to regular maintenances. If parts are starting to wear out, they can be replaced before a much larger starts to form. If you notice an issue between visits it is recommended to bring the vehicle in as soon as you can.
One issue that might start to form is a problem with the coolant temperature sensor. This is an important part that will enable the control unit to send alerts if there is an issue with the engine. This could mean that the engine is overheating, or if the temperature is rising in the system. If the sensor becomes damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
Function of it
The coolant temperature sensor operates based on the difference in temperature that it will encounter. As the temperature of the engine changes, the potential difference output of the device will also change. This is then measured by the control unit of the engine. As the temperature rises, the resistance of the coolant in the vehicle will drop. The voltage output is then sent to the electronic control unit of the vehicle. This constantly measures the resistance for the coolant in the vehicle.
Location of temperature sensor
The coolant temperature sensor is usually in close proximity of the thermostat of the cooling system for the vehicle. There may also be two temperature sensors in some vehicles. One will send information from the engine system to the control unit. The other will send information from the control unit to the dashboard. If there are two sensors, one of them is the coolant temperature sensor. The other one is for sending the information to the dashboard of the vehicle.
Signs it needs attention
One of the most common signs to know if the sensor might be bad is if it does not function properly. Usually this is by the engine overheating on a regular basis. The coolant may be leaking resulting in the temperature sensor malfunctioning. A bad coolant temperature system will result in the check engine light illuminating on the dashboard of the vehicle. Another sign is if the vehicle uses more gasoline than normal. Black smoke may also come out from the exhaust pipe. This can mean that the coolant temperature sensor in the vehicle is defective. If this is an issue, bring the vehicle in so we can inspect it for you.
