If an engine coolant temperature sensor of this type fails, it is common for the vehicle’s radiator fan to be inoperable. While some vehicles utilize an auxiliary temperature sensor to regulate fan operation, the vast majority of makes and models rely upon the engine coolant temperature sensor to sustain this function. One of the most severe symptoms of coolant temperature sensor failure is engine overheating. In severe cases, this smoke can become very dense, and quite noticeable to anyone nearby. When this excess fuel burns within a vehicle’s exhaust system, dark grey or black colored smoke is produced as a byproduct. As a result, excess unburnt fuel is passed downstream, where it often ends up entering the exhaust system. #3 – Dark Colored ExhaustĪs previously mentioned, a faulty coolant temperature sensor that has defaulted to a permanently cold reading will typically cause an engine to over-fuel (aka: run rich). In the end, this is reflected by more frequent trips to the pump. When a permanently cool signal is sent by a coolant temperature sensor, a vehicle’s ECM attempts to compensate for this condition by dosing more fuel than is needed. More often than not, a faulty engine coolant temperature sensor will incorrectly reflect a cool temperature reading. This stems from the fact that coolant temperature sensor feedback plays a vital role in the calculation of fuel delivery and timing. Related: DTC P0115, DTC P0116, DTC P0117, DTC P0118 #2 – Poor Fuel EconomyĪnother symptom commonly associated with the failure of a coolant temperature sensor is poor fuel economy. This light will remain on until the offending code is cleared, or the corresponding malfunction is remedied. If a vehicle’s ECM detects the delivery of irrational data from one of its sensors, a check engine light is illuminated. ![]() By its nature, a vehicle’s on-board diagnostics system stores trouble codes associated with many component failures and electrical circuit related problems. One of the most common symptoms associated with engine coolant temperature sensor failure is the sudden appearance of a check engine light. The following are 7 of the most common symptoms associated with a failing engine coolant temp sensor. ![]() As a result several symptoms often present themselves in short order. When this occurs, a false temperature value is sent to the vehicle’s ECM, which leads to improper system response. In most cases, this comes as a result of continuity loss within the sensor itself. With time, coolant temperature sensors in many vehicles have a tendency to fail. This data is also displayed to the driver via a temperature gauge in the dashboard.įor a more technical explanation of how the sensor works, check out this video: These functions include fuel metering, EGR operation, and fan engagement. This information is then relayed to the vehicle’s ECM (Engine Control Module), where it is used as an input when determining how best to regulate various engine functions. As its name would suggest, a vehicle’s coolant temperature sensor monitors the temperature of the coolant flowing throughout an engine. Coolant cycles through an engine’s cylinder heads and block, where it picks up heat that is produced as a byproduct of the combustion process.Ĭoolant is then directed to the radiator, where incoming airflow dissipates heat stored within the coolant. Internal combustion engines rely upon the use of a type of coolant to regulate operational engine temperatures. How an Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Works
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