Most Common Symptoms of Bad Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor | Signs of failing ECT sensor

Engine coolant temperature sensor is a device that measures the actual temperature of engine. This measurement are used by the ECM to regulate the ignition parameters and to activate radiator fan. This video provides some basic symptoms when ECT sensor fails.

Related Questions:
What happens when engine coolant temperature sensors fails?
Why do radiator fan in my car always ON?
How to replace a engine coolant sensor?
Can i drive with bad engine coolant temperature sensor?
Can a bad coolant sensor cause your car to overheat?

Related DTC codes: P0115, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0119, etc...

Thanks for watching...

[danielmulligan]

If you found this video and have a 2016 ford fiesta S/ SE the sensor does not need to be wrenched out. There is a retaining pin you pull out with pliers and then pull the sensor after that.

the sensor will just free spin if you wrench it on that model.

thanks for the video it was very helpfull.

[man]

Got a code a couple of months ago to change the sensor and I honestly forgot all about it. Now my car has a few more codes which indicates most of the other symptoms mentioned in this video. I have the sensor at home and will be changing it today right after work. Thank goodness to the YouTube algorithm Gods for giving me this video to watch HAHA! Never seen this channel before, will most definitely be subscribing, great content!

[cecilsabourin]

As below, this is awsome info, same symtoms as my Chev. pickup. The one sensor I did not replace on my 31 year old truck . Thank you so much.

[charmainperry]

Thank you for the video 😊 I just started having problems with my fan not working. Hopefully this sensor is what I need

[Eddythe_Eagle]

The coolant sensor was changed before. My scan tool says that it is runnubg a few degrees over normal temp! I pulled all the plugs today to find that engine oil waspushing up into the plugs. Two plugs had a lot of oil on them. I cleaned them and re installed them. Nexdt week I will remove onlt those two plugs to see if they are wet with oil. If so, the seal gasket must be broken under the cover. In that case I would need to replace that gasket that prevents engine oil from spashing up onto the plugs. Anyways thanks. The ECT sensor was replaced some time ago with a OEM part. Maybe it is still bad!

[Eddythe_Eagle]

I am not sure were the othervtemp sensor is. I will try changing the coolent sensor first. Having a good scan tool may help! Thanks for the update!

[diacstefan]

Very useful video keep going. Tomorrow, i will change the sensor, which the cooler fan runs immediately when i turn the key on, which is no need to be on at that point because engine is cold.

[simonmunizsr]

Will be replacing the sensor on my 2001 Buick tomorrow.

[firoznanji]

Excellent explanation, I hope you get viewers. Thank You. I have a problem with my car, Fan on when engine cold. Also, Ignition ON, No check engine light. No start condition.

[benjaminlong]

I first changed the thermostat. P0128 code. Didnt work, code came back. Misifiring codes, lowered gas milage, fan coming on when cold, and engine under temp code. Changed the sensor this morning. Will let you know if it solves the problem.

[WhenIcatchyouReki]

This is awesome! Thank you so much you have just helped me find my issue

[chaneketaso]

I think I have this problem for my 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500hd, the fan stays on all the time right from the start, also my temperature gauge stays at 1/4, & also have bad fuel economy, i recently changed my water pump & thermostat, & i did made sure to burp it out so that’s why i think this could be the issue. I just bought the coolant sensor & hope this is solves the issue, I’ll give an update it.

[tangulo]

Years ago the coolant temperature sensor went bad on my chevy van and it started smoking like a diesel engine out of tune.

[GTInsight]

I have 2005 toyota sequoia and yesterday, the temperature shot up high when I got stuck in traffic. Waited for an hpur or so to cool down and replanished water in the radiator. Plannong to replace the coolant temperature sensor but not sure if its the ac air fan sensor, which makes the coolant sensor to to kick in?. The reservoir spews coola t after an idle run and while turning the Ac on, i did not notice the ac fan running high and instead its runs very slow. What do i need to do?. Thank you

[MooreInteresting]

2006 Chevy Cobalt and my AC is sporadically working. When the Coolants Temperature isn't working and showing 3 dashes, my air is hot, but when it works and shows a temperature, my AC is cold? Would the Coolant Temperature Sensor be the problem or maybe something else?

[tomaspetrus]

I Have a mazda3 2.0 petrol and my engine is always cold. I changed thermostat but nothing changed. Should i try to change coolant temperature sensor? I even have a problem with starts. Cold and even with a hot engine. Please give your opinion im out of options i think... I dont know what to do. I need my car to work properly.

[meandme]

I took my 2010 Camry to the Toyota dealer and they diagnosed my cooling sensor to be the issue of my temperature gauge going so high almost one line before it hits red, the temperature gauge kept going up and down and was never down to C anymore when my car was home all night before going to work!

[johntrovy]

Very good informative video. Thanks for sharing. Helped to cover the thermostat part.  i have 2010 ML550, ans got P0128 code, just wanted to know if i should check coolant sensor before going for coolant thermostat?/where exactly this sensor is located? If i can have a diagram or picture to locate it so that i can replace it. Appreciate your help!"

[LakshmanWeerakkody-wgse]

Hi.... Have a good day to you, ...My car is a zuzuki balino, earlier when driving the vehicle it misfires when the engine is hot.., after that when I scanned the vehicle, I changed the scam sensor and the oxygen sensor (which is in the middle of the silencer).. now the engine is working fine. It does, then it started in the morning and it misfires until the engine is warmed up.
As soon as it warms up, the car runs fine without any problems, ...what's wrong with this? Please I hope you can give me the right advice, no black smoke or oil pygmies visible, is there good fuel consumption, ..

[hoseamare]

My Toyota LC had a bad heat sensor and when I drive uphill with loads, the radiator explode breaking away it top plastic cover into pieces. Is it caused by block tubes or over heating?