C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Coolant temp Issues

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Old Feb 13, 2011 | 10:47 PM
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Default Coolant temp Issues

Hey guys I'm new to the site. I've been looking around and decided to pick ya'lls brains.

My 94 6-spd car is having issues. It starts fine when its not cold outside but dies about 4 times before it idles on its own. Once the car warms up it's hard to start. My temp gauge works fine but when i check the temp on the digital gauge it stays at 142 and the scanner says -40. Any sugestions?

Thanks,
Charlie
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Old Feb 13, 2011 | 11:01 PM
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Try replacing the $14 CTS ( Coolant Temp Sensor ) on the water pump
All of engine operation is dependent on PCM receiving the correct engine temp from this sensor
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Old Feb 13, 2011 | 11:03 PM
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Check fuel pressure at the rail. If pressure falls quickly or fails to build, it may be fuel pump.

Might check and or replace the coolant sensor.
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 01:55 PM
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Coolant sensor has been replaced. Still shows -40 on the scanner. Wire to the sensor broken or bad?

I'm going to try to trace it back when I get some time this week.
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Old Feb 14, 2011 | 03:03 PM
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 04:35 PM
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Wouldn't hurt to look for codes.

Those temp values you got seem like from another planet.

Are you sure the CTS is good and installed correctly?

Correct cold start means it runs ok in "open loop" mode, during which ECM uses assumed values and gets no input from CTS (and other sensors).

Last edited by sailorsteve; Feb 15, 2011 at 04:39 PM.
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by sailorsteve
Those temp values you got seem like from another planet.
Temp values as written in the tune bottom out @ -40C

As the CTS has higher resistance with lower temp
185 Ohms @ 210F,
3400 Ohms @ 68F,
7,500 Ohms @ 39 F.

that temp reading from the PCM would indicate open circuit on CTS wiring
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 08:07 PM
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OK, open circut. Should I be looking for a cut or broken wire? Could it also be a bad connector?
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 08:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Lawdog54
OK, open circut. Should I be looking for a cut or broken wire? Could it also be a bad connector?
Yes, it could be anything that interrupts the circuit. If you changed the CTS and saw the same results, it is not likely that both sensors are equally defective. Diagnostic info from the FSM would lead you step by step to the solution. Meanwhile, if you can pull a code, you can get some specific suggestions here.
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Old Feb 15, 2011 | 08:58 PM
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Ok, thanks. I'll try to pull the code again.
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Old Mar 29, 2011 | 01:04 AM
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Been a little more than a month but I finally got a little time to work on the car this past weekend. Unpluged the CTS and looked into the plug and noticed it was a little dirty. I traced the wires back and then noticed the plug had been replaced before, so at this point I just went ahead and picked up a new plug.

Got out there Friday evening and cut the wires and then soldered and heat shrinked it all back together and BOOM!!!! worked like a champ. No more Check Engine Light!!!

Gas milage has been up in the 28-30mpg while cruising in 6th gear on the freeway at about 64-67mph. No more hard starts when it warms up, and just seems to run better all around.

Thanks for all the sugestions guys. I'll definately be around the boards.

Charlie
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Old Mar 29, 2011 | 08:16 AM
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Originally Posted by Lawdog54
Been a little more than a month but I finally got a little time to work on the car this past weekend. Unpluged the CTS and looked into the plug and noticed it was a little dirty. I traced the wires back and then noticed the plug had been replaced before, so at this point I just went ahead and picked up a new plug.

Got out there Friday evening and cut the wires and then soldered and heat shrinked it all back together and BOOM!!!! worked like a champ. No more Check Engine Light!!!

Gas milage has been up in the 28-30mpg while cruising in 6th gear on the freeway at about 64-67mph. No more hard starts when it warms up, and just seems to run better all around.

Thanks for all the sugestions guys. I'll definately be around the boards.

Charlie
Glad to hear you fixed your problem!
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