Pontiac 15326386 Sensor,Engine Coolant Temperature

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The coolant temperature switch or sender is located at the rear of the right head on V6 engines.

The ECT sensor is located on the backside of the engine, the side facing toward the firewall, below the EGR valve. To remove the ECT sensor, first disconnect the cable from the negative battery cable. Then, drain some of the engine coolant to minimize coolant loss when the ECT sensor is removed. Next, disconnect the electrical connector from the ECT sensor and unscrew the sensor from the thermostat housing. Be prepared for some coolant to run out when the sensor is removed if you didn't remove any coolant. Before installing the new ECT sensor, wrap the threads with Teflon sealing tape to prevent leakage and thread corrosion. Even if you're planning to install the old ECT sensor, it's a good idea to remove any old thread sealant and rewrap the threads with new Teflon tape. Install the ECT sensor and tighten it to the specific torque. Installation is otherwise the reverse of removal. Finally, check the coolant level, adding as necessary. Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature, then check for coolant leaks. Check the coolant level in the expansion tank after the engine has warmed up and then cooled down again.

The engine coolant temperature sensor is a thermistor mounted in the engine coolant stream. It measures the resistance based on temperature, with low coolant temperature resulting in high resistance and high temperature causing low resistance. The PCM supplies a 5 volt signal to the sensor and measures the voltage to calculate the engine coolant temperature. Testing involves measuring the resistance and comparing it to a chart, as well as comparing the temperature on an automotive thermometer to the resistance reading. If the sensor is not within specification, it should be replaced. When removing and installing the sensor, care must be taken to avoid damaging it. The sensor is located on the intake manifold water jacket or near the thermostat housing. Coolant must be drained below the sensor level before removal. The new sensor should be coated with thread sealant and tightened to the specified torque. The system should then be refilled with coolant and the negative battery cable reconnected.

Make sure to install the new unit to prevent any loss of coolant. Connect the wire. Install the engine cover.

Disconnect the electrical connector.

If any component fails these checks, replacement may be necessary.

The engine coolant temperature sensor threads into a coolant passage at the front of the engine near the thermostat housing.

The indicator system consists of a lamp mounted on the instrument panel and a sender unit located on the left-hand cylinder head.

The indicator system comprises a lamp mounted on the instrument panel and a sender unit which is located on the left-hand cylinder head. In the event of an unusual indication or a fault developing, check the coolant level in the system and then ensure that the connecting wiring between the gauge and the sender unit is secure. When the ignition switch is turned on and the starter motor is turning, the indicator lamp should be illuminated (over heated engine indication). If the lamp is not on, the bulb may be burned out, the ignition switch may be faulty or the circuit may be open. As soon as the engine starts, the lamp should go out and remain so unless the engine overheats. Failure of the lamp to go out may be due to the wiring being grounded between the lamp and the sender unit, a defective temperature sender unit or a faulty ignition switch. If the sender unit is to be replaced it is simply unscrewed from the left-hand cylinder head and a replacement installed. There will be some coolant spillage, so check the level after the replacement has been installed.

The circuit can be tested by briefly grounding the wire to the sending unit while the ignition is on.

Wrap the threads of the sensor with Teflon sealing tape to prevent leakage.

Disconnect the electrical connector from the engine coolant temperature sensor and connect a voltmeter to the two terminals of the harness connector. With the ignition key On, the voltage should read approximately 5.0 volts. If the voltage is incorrect, check the wiring from the sensor to the ECM/PCM.

The coolant temperature indicator system is composed of a temperature gauge mounted in the dash and a coolant temperature sensor (also known as the Coolant Temperature Sensor mounted on the engine. This coolant temperature sensor doubles as an information sensor for the fuel and emissions systems. If an overheating indication occurs, the coolant level in the system should be checked. The operation of the coolant temperature sensor (Coolant Temperature Gauge Sending Unit) should also be checked. If the sensor (Coolant Temperature Gauge Sending Unit) is defective, it should be replaced with a new one. If the coolant temperature sensor (Coolant Temperature Gauge Sending Unit) is good, the temperature gauge should be checked by a dealer service department. This test will require a scan tool to access the information as it is processed by the onboard computer.

After draining the cooling system, you should disconnect the electrical connector and unscrew the sensor.

Ensure that the engine is cool and be prepared to catch any coolant loss.

Coat the threads of the new sending unit with sealant.

If any component fails these checks, replacement may be necessary.

The knock sensors detect engine knock. To check them, you should check for reference voltage and resistance.

After draining the cooling system, you should disconnect the electrical connector and unscrew the sensor.

If the gauge needle deflects to full hot during the test, it means that the gauge is okay.

If the coolant temperature sensor is defective, it should be replaced with a new one.

If any component fails these checks, replacement may be necessary.

Disconnect the electrical connector.

Once the engine starts, the lamp should go out and remain so unless the engine overheats.

The coolant temperature indicator system is composed of a light mounted in the instrument panel and a coolant temperature sending unit located at the left rear corner of the cylinder head on L4 engines, and at the front of the left cylinder head on V6 and VB engines. If a temperature gauge is included in the instrument cluster, the temperature sending unit is replaced by a transducer. If overheating occurs, check the coolant level in the system and then make sure that the wiring between the light or gauge and the sending unit is secure. When the ignition switch is turned on and the starter motor is turning, the indicator light should be on (overheated engine indication). If the light is not on, the bulb may be burned out, the ignition switch may be faulty, or the circuit may be open. As soon as the engine starts, the light should go out and remain out unless the engine overheats. Failure of the light to go out may be due to grounded wiring between the light and the sending unit, a defective sending unit, or a faulty ignition switch. If the sending unit is to be replaced, disconnect the wiring connector, unscrew the sending unit from the cylinder head, and install the replacement. Make sure that the engine is cool before removing the defective sending unit. There will be some coolant loss, so check the level after the replacement has been installed.

The coolant temperature indicator system consists of a light or temperature gauge mounted in the instrument panel and a coolant temperature sending unit mounted on the engine. The location of the sending unit varies depending on the engine size. Some vehicles may have multiple sending units, but the one used for the indicator system has only one wire. In addition, some models may have a low coolant warning system, which includes a warning light in the instrument panel and a low coolant sensor mounted on the side of the radiator. If the light or gauge indicates overheating or low coolant, first check the coolant level and ensure the wiring between the indicator and sending unit is secure. Also, check that all fuses are intact. When the ignition switch is turned on and the starter motor is turning, the indicator lights should be on if there is an overheated engine or low coolant indication. If the lights are not on, it could be due to a burned-out bulb, faulty ignition switch, or an open circuit. To test the circuit, ground the wire to the sending unit while the ignition is on (engine not running). If the gauge deflects or the light comes on, replace the sending unit. Once the engine starts, the light should go out and remain out unless there is an overheating issue or low coolant level. If the light does not go out, it could be due to a grounded wire, defective sending unit, or faulty ignition switch. If the problem is with the temperature sender, check the coolant to ensure it is the proper type. Plain water may not activate the sending unit due to its low boiling point. If the temperature sending unit needs to be replaced, unscrew it from the engine and install the replacement with a light coat of sealant on the threads. Make sure the engine is cool before removing the defective sending unit. If the low coolant sensor needs to be replaced, drain some coolant from the radiator, disconnect the connector, and unsnap the sensor from its mount on the radiator. Finally, check the coolant level after the replacement has been installed and refill as necessary.