ECT Sensor(s)

[Hopeless Diamond]

So, lead a couple of trail rides at the NWOR this past weekend, always a blast there. Normally I have BackCountry Navigator running on my Android head unit to watch maps, etc. and then just watch my trans temp and the dashboard gauge for ECT. Considering I've never seen the ECT gauge move once it gets to temp, I was surprised to see it near the top. So, went to the Torque app on the head unit where it was reading 220 plus, think it got as high as 231.

Did the usual things to try and cool it down a little bit, AC off, put it in 4L, and it cooled down some. The cluster gauge went back to center where it normally sits, but the Torque app would still read from 210s up to over 220. Are there 2 sensors, one that feeds the cluster, then another that gets read and/or reported by the ODB2?

Core of the problem is the fan clutch is gone, replacement on its way now. Once I was going downhill and/or up to speed where I could get some air flow, things went back to normal

 

[gamefreakgc]

Yes there's two sensors. The important one in the Engine Coolant Temperature sensor, which communicates only to the ECU. The other is the Engine Coolant Temperature sender, which only connects to gauge on the dash. However, the dash gauge is setup that between 170 degrees and about 210-220, the needle won't budge. It's only when you get up into the 220's and 230's is when the needle will edge up towards red. If you ever see it in the red, the engine is in the 240+ range and damage is imminent. Some people call it a "dummy" gauge for that reason, if it's in the red it's too late.

 

[Hopeless Diamond]

That does jive with what I was seeing. It didn't hit the red, it still had some room to go.

Where are they located on the engine, was wondering if they were picking up readings from different areas that would have different temps?

 

[gamefreakgc]

That does jive with what I was seeing. It didn't hit the red, it still had some room to go.

Where are they located on the engine, was wondering if they were picking up readings from different areas that would have different temps?

Both on the back of the block near the firewall. They should be reading the same temps but I suppose there could be variations in the signal voltage.

 

[LittleCaesar]

The ECT sensor sits in the lower manifold almost to the right of the PCV. Can be tricky to remove without removing the front fuel rail pipe. The gauge sensor is buried right behind the back of the left fuel rail. PITA to access unless one has the upper manifold off.