GM 12601050 Sensor,Engine Coolant Temperature

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The coolant temperature indicator system includes a gauge or warning light on the dashboard and a sensor on the engine. The sensor serves multiple purposes, providing information for the fuel and engine control systems and sending data to the temperature gauge. To address an overheating indication, check the coolant level, secure the wiring between the gauge and sensor, and ensure all fuses are intact. Then, test the operation of the coolant temperature sensor and replace if defective. A faulty sensor should trigger a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and illuminate the CHECK ENGINE light. If the sensor is working properly, have the temperature gauge checked by a dealer service department or a repair shop with a scan tool to access information from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

The thermistor is the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, which is a resistor that varies its resistance with temperature changes. The voltage signal from the sensor to the PCM will be directly influenced by variation in resistance values. During increase in sensor's temperature, the resistance values decrease while they increase during decrease in sensor's temperature. Finally, drain the cooling system to replace ECT sensor particularly on 5.3L engines where it is located at the front of driver's side cylinder head. Next disconnect electrical connector from the sensor harness and carefully remove ECT sensor out of engine body. At right rear of inline engines, there is a threaded hole for this same connection into cylinder head itself. Teflon sealing tape should be wound around these threads if new sensors do not have any sealing compound applied on them to avoid leaking. After removing it, you should reinstall it as it is and then refill the cooling system.

A thermistor, the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor is a resistor that varies its resistance value in relation to temperature. The voltage signal coming from the sensor to the PCM is directly affected by this change in resistance values. When the temperature of the sensor rises, their resistance value goes down and vice versa. The first step to replacing it involves draining out the cooling system completely. After that, pull apart the electrical connector from the sensor harness. Alternately, on six-cylinder engines, disconnecting and removing alternator and remove it easily and carefully. Unscrew the sensor from its position on the engine gently. However, with six-cylinder engines, it is threaded into an engine block. On v8 engines, just above Number One spark plug on front side of left cylinder head is sited ECT Sensor. If there isn't any sealing compound applied on threads of a new sensor cover them using Teflon sealing tape so as to avoid leaks occurring during installation process. Finally one does installation after removing.

If the sensor is functioning properly but the temperature gauge is not accurate, it may be necessary to have the temperature gauge checked using a scan tool to access the information processed by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

The ECT sensor is a thermistor, a resistor that changes its resistance value based on temperature.