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Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor

NOTE: Only component testing procedure is covered. For Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor system and circuit testing procedure, see appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.
NOTE: For ECT sensor location. See Figure-Figure .
NOTE: For ECT sensor removal and installation, see ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR under ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION article.

Remove (ECT) sensor. Place sensor and thermometer in container with water and slowly heat water. Measure resistance between ECT sensor terminals No. 1 & 3. See Fig 1. Note resistance at specified temperatures. For ECT sensor specifications, see ECT SENSOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS  table. Replace ECT sensor as necessary. For ECT sensor removal and installation, see ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR under ENGINE SENSORS & SWITCHES in REMOVAL, OVERHAUL & INSTALLATION article.

ECT SENSOR RESISTANCE SPECIFICATIONS

Sensor Temperature - °F (°C) (1) Resistance - K/Ohms
Optima & Magentis (Canadian)
68 (20) 2.31-2.59
176 (80) 0.30-0.33
Rio
-6 (-20) 13.3-16.8
68 (20) 0.65-4.24
176 (80) 0.30-0.33
Sedona
32 (0) 5.9
68 (20) 2.31-2.59
104 (40) 1.1
176 (80) 0.30-0.33
Spectra & Sportage
-6 (-20) 14.6-17.8
68 (20) 2.30-2.70
176 (80) 0.30-0.33
(1) Measure resistance between sensor terminals.
Fig 1: Checking Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor Resistance
G00102632Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.