Engine Temperature Sensor: Service and Repair

CAUTION: Care must be taken when handling the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Damage to the ECT sensor will affect proper operation of the fuel injection system.




REMOVAL
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Drain enough engine coolant so that the coolant level will be below the ECT sensor.

* Use steps 3 to 8 for air conditioned vehicles.

3. Remove the right front wheel to provide access to the rear mounting bolts of the air conditioning compressor.
4. Remove the rubber weather shield from the mounting clips in the right front wheel well.
5. Loosen the center nut of the idler pulley. Do not remove the jamb nuts on the adjustment bolt.
6. Loosen the compressor belt tension by turning the adjustment bolt on the upper side of the pulley in a clockwise direction.




7. Remove the four compressor mounting bolts.




8. Move the compressor to gain access to the ECT on the underside of the intake manifold.
9. Remove the ECT electrical connector.




10. Remove the ECT sensor with a 19 mm deep-well socket.




INSTALLATION
1. Apply sealer or the equivalent to the threads of the ECT sensor.
2. Install the ECT sensor in the coolant crossover.
- Tighten the ECT sensor to 30 N.m (22 lb ft).

3. Connect the electrical connector.

* Steps 4 to 7 are for air conditioned vehicles.




4. Reinstall the air conditioning compressor.
5. Tighten belt tension by turning the upper adjusting bolt counterclockwise.
- Check the belt with a force of 22 lbs. Tension is correct when 8-12 mm (0.31-0.47 in) of deflection is obtained. Then tighten the idler pulley center nut.

6. Reinstall the rubber weather shield in the wheel well.
7. Reinstall the right front wheel.
8. Replace the coolant that was drained.
9. Connect the negative battery cable.