Forum:
Still trying to sort out my Sportrak's lack of temperature reading. Most people have been saying replace the coolant temperature sensor but as it's such a pain to get to I've been putting it off. During the cold months I've noticed that the engine sits above 1000rpm for a few minutes (depending on how cold it is) just like it did before the problem. I therefore suspect that the sensor is fine, assuming that it's the coolant temp sensor that's used for the warm up process. Can anyone confirm this is what the ECU will be reading from, I can't see why it would be any other sensor?
Thank you in advance for your help
It is the coolant temperature
It is the coolant temperature sensor (CTS) as this measures the coolant temperature as it is the most accurate method of controlling all the engine functions as it affects everything from the mixture control to the advance/retardation of the ignition timing which is ECU controlled.
Check a couple of other simple things when you remove it, ensure its not clogged with crud so the sensor is actually in contact with the coolant, and that the wiring is intact as these often corrode and the terminal breaks off and the engine drops into limp home mode by replacing the variable resistance with a fixed one.
Thank you for your reply. Do
Thank you for your reply. Do you have any advice on removing the sensor? It seems extremely difficult to get to and I've really no idea how to go about accessing it.
Thanks
CTS location
The CTS is mounted in the rear of the cylinder head just below the distributor... It is accessible from the exhaust manifold side of the engine you will need open end spanner as wiring prevents use of socket... Be warned the the sensor has a habit of seasons in the hole a little and being made from hollowed brass is very weak so w/e you do don't break it off otherwise cylinder head off to remove it
Never done one on this
Never done one on this vehicle, but there is always a way of doing it so you have to be a little creative in gaining access.
Just check the coolant level first as the sensor needs to be in contact with water, if you have a slight air lock it relies on conducted heat through the metal, and ensure the hole into which it sits is clear and not furred or clogged up with debris such as scale.