coolant temperature sensor location
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Northport NY
coolant temperature sensor location
Does anyone have a diagram or a good description of where the Coolant Temperature Sensor is located? Is it something I can swap out myself?
My engine has the following codes and I think I need to replace the sensor:
P0116 - Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Performance ECM
P0606 - Control Module Internal Performance ECM
P0685 - P0685 Engine Controls Ignition Relay Control Circuit ECM
P1682 - P1682 Ignition 1 Switch Circuit 2 ECM
Thanks in advance for your help.
My engine has the following codes and I think I need to replace the sensor:
P0116 - Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Performance ECM
P0606 - Control Module Internal Performance ECM
P0685 - P0685 Engine Controls Ignition Relay Control Circuit ECM
P1682 - P1682 Ignition 1 Switch Circuit 2 ECM
Thanks in advance for your help.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
Likes: 167
Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
The coolant sensor should be just above the first sparkplug (first meaning closest to the alternator) on the drivers side cylinder head.
Swapping out the ECT involves removal of the drivers side fuel rail cover, draining out the coolant to below the level of the temperature sensor. Disconnecting the harness, removing the sensor, placing a sealant around the threads at the base of the sensor (GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or the equivalent) installing the new sensor, reconnecting the harness and refilling the coolant. Replace the fuel rail cover and you should be good to go. Treat the new sensor delicately. It can be damaged from a drop or rough handling.
Swapping out the ECT involves removal of the drivers side fuel rail cover, draining out the coolant to below the level of the temperature sensor. Disconnecting the harness, removing the sensor, placing a sealant around the threads at the base of the sensor (GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or the equivalent) installing the new sensor, reconnecting the harness and refilling the coolant. Replace the fuel rail cover and you should be good to go. Treat the new sensor delicately. It can be damaged from a drop or rough handling.
Last edited by talon90; Feb 11, 2011 at 11:20 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
The coolant sensor should be just above the first sparkplug (first meaning closest to the alternator) on the drivers side cylinder head.
Swapping out the ECT involves removal of the drivers side fuel rail cover, draining out the coolant to below the level of the temperature sensor. Disconnecting the harness, removing the sensor, placing a sealant around the threads at the base of the sensor (GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or the equivalent) installing the new sensor, reconnecting the harness and refilling the coolant. Replace the fuel rail cover and you should be good to go. Treat the new sensor delicately. It can be damaged from a drop or rough handling.
Swapping out the ECT involves removal of the drivers side fuel rail cover, draining out the coolant to below the level of the temperature sensor. Disconnecting the harness, removing the sensor, placing a sealant around the threads at the base of the sensor (GM P/N 12346004 (Canadian P/N 10953480) or the equivalent) installing the new sensor, reconnecting the harness and refilling the coolant. Replace the fuel rail cover and you should be good to go. Treat the new sensor delicately. It can be damaged from a drop or rough handling.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 611
From: DFW Texas
Also do a good check of the connector and wiring as there is a lot of heat in this location and several folks have reported broken connectors and fragile/broken wiring as a result. This might save you from having to replace the sensor.
Good luck...GD
Good luck...GD
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,590
Likes: 1,669
From: Pearland / Houston Tx
I didn't drain any coolant. Just had the new sensor ready to install immediately after pulling old. Very little coolant came out. I let the dog lick up the sweet coolant that spilled on the driveway. (kidding....don't let your dog drink glycol, unless he is ready to meet Jesus)
