Coolant temperature sensors

[leroy]

Is there a difference between the sensor in the intake manifold and the one on the head? I can only find one part number in the manual.

Jim

 

[phoonTy]

not sure, but Jas only has one number listed at sytyauthority.net as well, which is GM #12146312. That's the one I used to replace the sensor in the intake at the front. which one are you replacing?

 

[leroy]

I'm just putting my truck back together, and have only found one sensor. I guess I can replace either one if they are the same part. lol

That kind of stuff happens when you take it apart in August and put it back together in January.

I still have one more place to look.

Thanks for the reply.

Jim

 

[TurboTony]

Hey Jim,

The one in the head is for the gauge, it's a single wire sensor. The connector looks like it should have two but there is only one terminal in there.

The one in the mainfold is for the ecm, it has two terminals in the connector.

They are not interchangable.

 

[leroy]

Thanks Tony. That sounds familiar now.

Jim

 

[kwick6]

Are these the two we use? If so, need to get #2 part number added to sytyauthority.net..... Yo Jason..

1. part# 12146312 (goes in intake manifold)

2. part# 15326386 (goes in head for gauge)

 

[Lynn D. Brown]

Jim,

I've had trouble getting the Gauge sensor. Dal says it isn't stocked anymore, and he ends up sending the other one twice now. It won't fit, as the electrical connector is totally different. So, does SyTYAuthority carry it ?

 

[4C FED]

Jim,

I've had trouble getting the Gauge sensor. Dal says it isn't stocked anymore, and he ends up sending the other one twice now. It won't fit, as the electrical connector is totally different. So, does SyTYAuthority carry it ?

Go to gmpartsdirect.com they have it.
I know they have shitty shipping charges, but if your set on running the GM sensor, you can get it here.

Otherwise, go to Autozone. They'll have it.

Interesting though, the CTS is cheaper that the regular temp sensor. :crazyeye:

 

[Lynn D. Brown]

Rick,

Hey Thanx, I called AZ and they say they have it. Pep Boys, NAPA and O'Reillys didn't. They said it was a Temp switch, but that doesn't make sense for a gauge. I'll check it out.

BTW, my connector has 2 connections on it. Somebody said that the one in the block only had one. Two would make more sense for a guage. Did it change from the '91 to the '93 ?

 

[Lynn D. Brown]

OK, Guys, got the info now. Yes, amazingly AZ had the part, and as far as I know they R the only one that has it. I'm not sure GM even offers it anymore. It has the gray plastic top, and the ECM T sensor has a black top.

I guess they figure that since the stock guage sucks, everyone will have gone to an aftermarket gauge by now. Well U have to plug the hole in the block w something anyway, so why not the sensor ? The AZ part # is Wells # TU152 - Temp switch.

I was using the wrong connector. The sensor actually has 2 prongs if U check close, one big one and a little one next to it, but only one wire. I will also be using a MUCH more accurate Autometer H2O mechanical gauge, so I guess I will be able to at least tell everyone how bad the stock gauge is.

 

[TyMeUp]

The AZ part # is Wells # TU152 - Temp switch.

Hopefully the catalog is giving you the wrong description.

Gauges use a specific variable resistance 'sensor' to provide a gradual needle movement with engine temp changes.

Idiot 'hot' lights use a 'switch' to complete the light circuit to ground when the engine reaches a high temperature.

To find out what you have, use an ohmmeter between the wire terminal and the threaded base. For a gauge, you will see a specific resistance reading (1600-1300 Ohms - that will probably decrease as you hold your fingers on the sensor). For an idiot light 'switch' you will see an open circuit - infinity reading.

The actual resistance range of a SyTy temerature gauge sensor is 1300 ohms at 104 degrees; 53.4 Ohms at 257 degrees. (from 1993 GMC Manual)