How to Replace a Cylinder Head Coolant Temperature Sensor

The coolant temperature sensor in your vehicle’s cylinder head plays a key role in the engine’s operation. It sends a signal to the electronic control unit (ECU) that provides information on the coolant temperature and supplies a signal to the temperature gauge in the dashboard.

Coolant temperature sensor failures are usually accompanied by engine running issues such as sluggish acceleration, hard starting when hot or cold, and the Check Engine or Service Engine Soon Light coming on in possible overheating conditions. If the Check Engine Light is on, diagnosis is usually straightforward by connecting a scan tool to the onboard diagnostic port and reading the fault code.

Part 1 of 1: Replacing the temperature sensor

Materials Needed

Step 1: Be sure the engine is cool. Locate the main pressure cap for the cooling system and open it enough to relieve any pressure in the cooling system, then reinstall the cap so it seals properly.

Step 2. Locate the coolant temperature sensor. Many engines have multiple sensors that look similar to each other, so an investment in either a paper version or an online subscription for your vehicle’s repair manual will pay dividends in a generally faster repair and reduce guesswork by guiding you to the exact part and location.

ALLDATA is a good online source that has most manufacturer’s repair manuals.

See the connector images below. The tab to lift to release the connector is at the top, toward the back of the connector on the left, the nub that it engages is at the top front of the one on the right.

cylinder head temperature sensor, both ends of connector

Step 3. Disconnect the electrical connector. The connector may plug into the sensor itself, or there may be “pigtail” wires leading from the sensor with the connector on the end of the wires. These connectors have a locking tab so that the connection remains secure. Using the pocket screwdriver (if needed), pry up the tab enough to clear the locking nub on the mating side, then separate the connection.

  • Tip: If you’re working on an older vehicle, be aware that the plastic on the connector may have become brittle from heat and the tab may break off, so use just enough pressure to raise the tab enough to release the connector.

removing the coolant temp sensor

Step 4. Unscrew the temperature sensor with an appropriately sized wrench or socket. Be aware that there may be coolant loss from the opening of the cylinder head when the sensor is removed, so be ready to screw in the new sensor to try to keep this at a minimum.

If equipped, use a new seal, usually a copper or aluminum washer, with the new sensor.

Step 5. Snug down the new sensor. Use the wrench and tighten just enough to ensure a good seal to the cylinder head.

  • Warning: Do not use excessive force when tightening the sensor! Too much pressure can result in a broken sensor which can be difficult to remove, or the threads in the cylinder head being stripped, which may require a new cylinder head, a very expensive repair.

Step 6. Reconnect the wiring. Make sure the wires are clear and will remain clear of any moving parts like the engine drive belt or pulleys, or any high heat items like an exhaust manifold.

Step 7. Verify that the engine coolant is at the correct level. Clear any OBD fault codes with the scan tool that haven’t corrected themselves now that there’s a proper signal from the temperature sensor.

Get a quote for a service: If you’re not quite comfortable diagnosing and changing your own coolant temperature sensor, a professional mechanic, such as from YourMechanic, will be happy to do it for you at your home or office.


Next Step

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Recent Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) Replacement reviews

Excellent Rating

(355)

Rating Summary
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Jason

33 years of experience
617 reviews
Jason
33 years of experience
Audi A3 L4-2.0L Turbo - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - Redwood City, California
Jason knows how to improvise for great outcomes. After replacing the CTS, he thought about resetting the system so that it would read the coolant temperature properly. It worked!
Volkswagen Golf - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - San Jose, California
Jason is knowledgeable and willing to explain any issues he sees prior to doing any work. His truck is equipped with all the needed parts and fluids and he works very meticulous and clean. Jason's attitude toward the repair is upbeat and he is very efficient. Will use Jason as a go-to mechanic in the future. He was on time and the job was done in the time he said it would be. Great experience.

Richard

8 years of experience
12 reviews
Richard
8 years of experience
GMC Canyon L5-3.7L - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - Burleson, Texas
Very nice friendly man. I was outside watching cause I like to see what's going on for future reference, if I had any questions he gladly answered them. Took a few hours to do the job but he was thorough truck's running good!

Jared

5 years of experience
91 reviews
Jared
5 years of experience
Chrysler 200 L4-2.4L - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - Atlanta, Georgia
Where can i start. This guy at this point is the one and only reason why I’m still using this app! He knows exactly what’s going on and Isn’t here to make money off of you he is here to help you get back on the road. I don’t know about others in the atl area but i can only use Jared at this point.

Rohon

49 years of experience
147 reviews
Rohon
49 years of experience
Jeep Grand Cherokee V6-3.6L - Coolant Temperature Switch (Sensor) - Jupiter, Florida
This is the second job Rohon has done on my car and each time he got the job done professionally, efficiently and solved the problem the first time. I will be happy to have him work on my car again.

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