Reliable Coolant Temperature Sensors for Your Engine

Even if the outdoor temperature is high, make sure the coolant temperature sensor is working, which keeps the engine cool. A properly working coolant temperature sensor not only ensures safe equipment operation but also prevents unnecessary fuel consumption. FridayParts offers a full range of coolant temperature sensors, making it easy to find one that's fully compatible with your make and model.

Coolant Temperature Sensor Location and Testing

Location

The coolant temperature sensor is usually screwed into the engine block or cylinder head. Most of the time it’s right near the thermostat housing—so it can get an accurate read on the coolant temp. The exact spot depends on the engine and machine model.

Testing

• You can check if the sensor works with a multimeter: just stick the sensor tip in cold water, then hot water, and measure its electrical resistance. The resistance should change the way it’s supposed to when the temperature shifts.
• Here’s a quick trick for some systems: unplug the sensor. If the ECU kicks the cooling fans into full speed as a backup, that means the rest of the circuit is good to go.

How to Spot a Faulty Coolant Temperature Sensor?

If your engine’s acting up or warning lights pop on, a faulty CTS is probably to blame. Keep an eye out for these common signs:

• Engine overheating: Usually, the temp gauge on your dashboard will shoot into the red zone.
• Check engine light on: A bad sensor will almost always set this light off.
• Worse gas mileage: If the ECU gets no or wrong temp data, it’ll dump extra fuel into the engine—meaning you burn more gas than you need to.
• Rough idle & weak performance: Too much fuel makes the engine sound choppy, hesitate when you accelerate, and feel seriously sluggish.
• Crazy temp gauge readings: The dash gauge might jump all over the place, or show a temp that’s way off from how the engine’s really running.

An Important Note on Maintenance

To make your new sensor last longer and read temps accurately, and keep your whole cooling system in good shape, it’s better to perform a coolant flush and refill during replacement when you replace the sensor. You’re already working on the cooling system anyway—this is also the perfect time to replace the thermostat, too. These parts usually wear out around the same time.

Looking for sensors that fit your machine? Just type your equipment’s brand and model into the search bar, and you’ll see all compatible options. Every single one of our products is great value for money, guaranteed. Take a new coolant temperature sensor today, and keep your engine running at the perfect temp!