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what is this sensor?

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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 05:05 PM
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Default what is this sensor?

I broke this today while pulling a plug. I'm thinking it might be the coolant temp sensor but just wanna verify before i go get one. thanks.

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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 05:31 PM
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Yes, coolant temp.
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 06:19 PM
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great thanks. just glad it wasnt something that needed replaced to drive it.
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 06:43 PM
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Welcome, I just did a head swap, so I'm very familiar with that sensor.
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 08:35 PM
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Originally Posted by shtnfrds
great thanks. just glad it wasnt something that needed replaced to drive it.
It does need to be replaced before you try to drive it.
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 10:59 PM
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why would it need replaced before i drive it?? The computer doesnt take any reading from it to adjust fuel or timing does it?
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 11:09 PM
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Originally Posted by shtnfrds
why would it need replaced before i drive it?? The computer doesnt take any reading from it to adjust fuel or timing does it?


no, but u need to know ur cars temp, if u dont care about that then go ahead and risk ur car

Last edited by themack56; Sep 21, 2008 at 11:18 PM.
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 11:20 PM
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I would drive it... (But I accept no liability if your engine by melts down!) Hell, I've had cars with no temp gauge at all... Well there was an "idiot" light, but who knew if those things worked or not?

Hint: When the plastic end caps blow off the radiator that means it's overheated... This actually will happen, one reason not to let a non-car savvy girlfriend drive a high-po car...

The PCM does fueling and timing adjustments based on the coolant temp, also the fan control. I believe the reading will fail high, the fans should just run all the time and she may not run right... but I assume you just want to drive to get the part? If it runs, I would drive it and keep an eye on things is all... If the fans don't run with the engine running, then I would change my answer, and not drive it! The fellows posting above me may well know more than I do...
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 11:28 PM
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^^^ yup fans start about 5 seconds after the car is started, and yeah, im not gonna drive to the moon, just a few miles for the part. All will be ok.
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Old Sep 21, 2008 | 11:49 PM
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Originally Posted by shtnfrds
why would it need replaced before i drive it?? The computer doesnt take any reading from it to adjust fuel or timing does it?
Pretty sure there are quite a few calculations that are affected by the coolant temp.
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 05:00 AM
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It will certainly effect fueling. Not sure what the PCM reads if its not plugged in, it may read high temperature or very low temperature. If its reading low, the car will always think its in open loop as it will never get to the threshold temperature to switch into closed loop. If it reads high the fans will always be on.
Timing is also effected from that sensor.

Personally I'd drive a few miles or so to get a part with it like that. I cant see any problem doing it, just don't enter WOT. During driving your car may stumble due to fueling, but will get you there.
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 06:26 AM
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The computer sees -40 degrees when it is not plugged in and it will run like crap and set an ses light because its part of emissions in the pcm.
callthe local dealer or auto parts store and get them to look it up and get someone to bring it to you or you could just put a dab of super glue on the connector and slip it on the sensor. It will hold until you can get your new sensor.
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 01:15 PM
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That sensor is broken but mines the same way and it still works, slide the black part that came off back over those prongs and your temp guage should work fine.
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 01:31 PM
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Originally Posted by themack56
no, but u need to know ur cars temp, if u dont care about that then go ahead and risk ur car
if you don't have cats, drive it. It's just gonna be ridiculously rich. You might have to play with the gas to keep it from flooding and stalling. Trust me. Been there, done that. Then again, I had a manual fan switch...
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Old Sep 22, 2008 | 02:05 PM
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i got the part, started to stumble snd high idle once i got home, no problems, prolly didnt even hit 160 degrees.
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