How to Solve Car Water Temperature Sensor Failure?
2 Answers
Solutions for car water temperature sensor failure: 1. Observe the dashboard water temperature based on the reported issue. If the display is normal; the engine control unit is checked by the computer and no faults are found; and the data stream reading is also normal, then it indicates that the issue is not caused by excessive engine water temperature. The water temperature sensor can be used to detect the engine coolant temperature (providing engine temperature signals). 2. If the water temperature sensor is used for a long time, its properties and functions may change, leading to incorrect water temperature signals, which can adversely affect fuel injection, ignition timing, and fuel pump operation. However, such changes in the sensor's properties and function data (not short circuits or open circuits) are often not recognized by the self-diagnosis system. 3. The training panel is equipped with test terminals, allowing direct testing of various sensors, actuators, and engine control unit pin electrical signals on the panel, such as resistance, voltage, current, and frequency signals. If a fault occurs in one of the sensor circuits, the engine ECU will detect abnormal signal voltages between the two sensor circuits and switch to limp mode.
I've been repairing cars for years, and this is how I usually handle coolant temperature sensor failures: First, use an OBD-II scanner to read the engine trouble codes and identify the exact error location. After confirmation, locate the sensor near the engine or radiator, remove the connector to check for corrosion or looseness, and clean the contacts with sandpaper. Then, use a multimeter to measure the resistance—the normal range is 20-250 ohms, varying with temperature. If the reading doesn't change or is abnormal, it indicates a faulty sensor. After installing a new one, reset the trouble codes and test-drive to check if the temperature gauge stabilizes. Don't forget to also check the coolant level and system for leaks, as these can affect sensor readings. The whole process takes about half an hour; not fixing it could lead to engine overheating and failure, costing thousands. Cleaning the sensor area during maintenance can prevent issues.
