MAT Sensor in my '85
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2005
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MAT Sensor in my '85
I bought a replacement manifold air temperature sensor for my '85. When I got it, it looked different than the one I pulled out. The one that was in the car had a brass tip and the new one was like a cage with the sensor inside (hope that makes sense).
It turns out that the new one is the correct one for an '85. The one that I pulled out is a coolant temperature sensor. The odd thing is that the harness connector from the ECM to the MAT sensor fits the one I pulled out (kind of a half moon shape) but not the new one (more like a rectangle with notches on both of the short sides). I assume that that means that the harness was replaced when the prior owner changed the MAT sensor previously.
My question, does it matter which sensor is installed? If it does, I need a harness for the original style. Does anyone know where I can get one? It was obsoleted by GM.
It has never run quite right so I'm trying to eliminate the variations from the original.
I appreciate any input. Thanks,
Dan
It turns out that the new one is the correct one for an '85. The one that I pulled out is a coolant temperature sensor. The odd thing is that the harness connector from the ECM to the MAT sensor fits the one I pulled out (kind of a half moon shape) but not the new one (more like a rectangle with notches on both of the short sides). I assume that that means that the harness was replaced when the prior owner changed the MAT sensor previously.
My question, does it matter which sensor is installed? If it does, I need a harness for the original style. Does anyone know where I can get one? It was obsoleted by GM.
It has never run quite right so I'm trying to eliminate the variations from the original.
I appreciate any input. Thanks,
Dan
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,961
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From: WI
The sensor with the cage sounds like the OAT, outside air temp sensor that goes in front by the radiator and is used to display the OAT on the climate control. The MAT sensor and coolant sensor do look similar. The MAT sensor in my year is the brass sensor and not the one with the cage.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
I'm sure the new one is the right sensor because it is a delco with the correct P/N. Also, I did a google search on "1985 Corvette EGR Solenoid" (another issue I'm resolving) and found a site called "Electrical pg. B" which stated that the new one I bought is correct for my car. I would have attached the link to this post but I don't know how and I don't think I have the rights to yet (how do I do that?).
Anyway, I guess I'm just asking if there is more than one sensor that will do the job or do I need to find the correct harness to match the new sensor? I just want it to be right.
Anyway, I guess I'm just asking if there is more than one sensor that will do the job or do I need to find the correct harness to match the new sensor? I just want it to be right.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,961
Likes: 707
From: WI
http://www.mamotorworks.com/corvette?frame=3.861
Maybe that will help.
Edit, picture of the sensor on my year:
I think they went to the plastic cage type sensor in '92. That is mounted in the air intake tube instead of in the plenum like my year.
If the sensor you got does not match the harness on your car, then you have the wrong sensor!
Last edited by Aardwolf; Apr 12, 2008 at 10:56 AM.
