Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
If a coolant sensor-related diagnostic trouble code is present, see TESTS W/CODES article in this section. An out-of-calibration sensor may not set a diagnostic trouble code. Use following procedure to test sensor calibration. Disconnect ECT sensor connector. Measure resistance between sensor terminals. Resistance should be high when engine is cold and drop as engine warms. See the ECT SENSOR RESISTANCE VALUES table.
| Temperature °F (°C) | Ohms | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 212 (100) | 177 | ||
| 194 (90) | 241 | ||
| 158 (70) | 467 | ||
| 104 (40) | 1459 | ||
| 68 (20) | 3520 | ||
| 23 (-5) | 12,300 | ||
| 14 (-10) | 16,180 | ||
| 0 (-18) | 25,000 | ||
| -4 (-20) | 28,680 | ||
| -22 (-30) | 52,700 | ||
| -40 (-40) | 100,700 | ||
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.