Q: How to troubleshoot and replace a faulty coolant temperature sending unit?
A: First check the fuses if the coolant temperature gauge is not working. If, soon after starting a cold engine, the temperature gauge shows 'Hot,' disconnect the wire at the coolant temperature sending unit. For Sprint, go to firewall side of intake manifold below Thermostat for coolant temperature sending unit location. As for Metro, it is at base of throttle body on intake manifold where coolant temperature sender can be found. Change out the sensor if you see a drop in the reading. Yet if it remains high, then there is possibility that either wire has shorted to ground or faulty gauge may be involved. After running engine for about 10 minutes without getting indication from coolant temp gauge and confirming that fuse are good switch off car. Consider bringing a jumper lead along with you so that when coil is removed and cable disconnected we can temporary connect this jumper lead to earth point in engine compartment; turn ignition on but don't start motor now if it indicates hot again then replace cooling water temperature sensor otherwise problem lies with malfunctioning dial itself as mentioned above. In case you still get no response from meter then either gauge is defective or circuit open somewhere. Any pressure should be carefully released by removing Radiator cap only when engine has greatly cooled before replacing back again thus reducing water loss through its lid during installation of new sensor thereby leading to saving some time spent on dealing with unexpected spills or needlessly wasted coolants after being replaced due bad readings Another step involves detaching wires going into this device before preparing sealing material such as Teflon tape or putty which will come handy while assembling new sender according manufacturer's instructions; Apply these materials around their threads so as fix tightly against any moisture leakage caused by improper fitting during tightening down another screw holding old unit place simultaneously trying avoid spilling off any remaining antifreeze out onto workshop floor! Once old part comes out quickly insert similar one prevent escape fluids otherwise we would have ended up losing even more than necessary due excessive spillages. After connecting the wire securely, tighten down sending unit. Refill coolant system and run engine to check for any leaks or proper operation of meter.