Where is the Elantra coolant temperature sensor located?
3 Answers
The coolant temperature sensor of the Elantra is located at the front end of the engine's water inlet pipe. The sensor operates by changing its resistance to alter current flow, which drives the temperature gauge to inform the driver about the engine's operating temperature. Taking the 2021 GLS Leading Edition Elantra as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4680mm, width 1810mm, height 1415mm, with a wheelbase of 2720mm, fuel tank capacity of 47 liters, and curb weight of 1208kg. The 2021 GLS Leading Edition Elantra features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine delivering 115PS maximum horsepower, 84.5kW maximum power, and 143.9Nm maximum torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission.
I've been driving an Elantra for several years and had issues with the erratic temperature gauge before, so I've specifically researched this problem. The coolant temperature sensor is generally located in the engine bay, typically near the thermostat or beneath the intake manifold. Mine was a 7th-gen Elantra—when you pop the hood, look toward the right side of the engine, and you'll find a black plastic connector with a metal probe attached to it, positioned close to the first cylinder's fuel injector. This part is inserted directly into the coolant passage, and if it fails, the engine may stall easily on rainy days. Last time I replaced it myself, I had to remove the intake hose first—I'd recommend keeping a mirror handy because the angle is really tricky. After replacement, remember to clear the fault codes with an OBD scanner, or the check engine light will stay on.
Last time when my master was repairing an Elantra, he pointed out and taught me about the coolant temperature sensor. It's located at the top of the engine near the firewall, a metal part about the size of a thumb with three wires. In Hyundai models, it's usually hidden in this spot, mainly detecting the coolant temperature and transmitting it to the ECU. If you're looking for it, first remove the ignition key and wait for the car to cool down, then open the front hood. Follow the upper radiator hose, and you'll find it at the rear of the engine near the windshield. Before working on it, remember to note the wire sequence positions. When replacing the new seal ring, apply anti-rust agent to prevent coolant leakage.
