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Ok trying not to screw this up as most of you know i'm a noob at electronics. I'm trying to test the coolant sensor because I suspect that its bad. My book (not the FSM) says that you can ohm the sensor cold and then again after warming the car up and if the difference is not about 500 ohms then its probably bad. I'm testing the sensor at the little metal spikes that stick out it (where the connector meets). Probing the yellow (input) and the black (ground). Am I doing it wrong or does this mean the sensor is bad? I'm getting an infinite reading at cold, have not tried it yet warmed up.
I'm a noob with the multimeter to, to me that sounds like the sensor is bad. When I tested mine it read different ohms at different temps. I remember there was a list of approx ohms for temp.
It's good to learn how to test some sensors and other components,and get results.You don't want to just throw new parts at it and hope.
But with a CTS,they are so inexpensive,and you have to take so much time to get at it anyway,once your that far in,you might as well buy a new one.The car's brain uses temp readings for alot of functions.It's a very important sensor , and you don't want to take a chance with it.
It's good to learn how to test some sensors and other components,and get results.You don't want to just throw new parts at it and hope.
But with a CTS,they are so inexpensive,and you have to take so much time to get at it anyway,once your that far in,you might as well buy a new one.The car's brain uses temp readings for alot of functions.It's a very important sensor , and you don't want to take a chance with it.
but its not too terribly hard to get to, especially if you've removed all the A.I.R. crap like I have. I was just trying to save a trip to the store, but your right, it'll probably need to be replaced anyway.
You can try ohming the CTS sensor, but may not tell if it is indeed bad or not. The FSM shows what the temp is related to the resistance. This sensor usually throws a code. If is is suspected, check the connection, wiring, and ohm it hot and cold. If in doubt just replace it.