Genuine Toyota Solara Coolant Temperature Sensor

Toyota Solara Coolant Temperature Sensor Parts Questions & Answers

• Switch, Temperature Detect
  89428-33010
  Q: How Do You Troubleshoot and Repair Issues with the Coolant Temperature Gauge and Coolant Temperature Sensor on Toyota Solara and 1997 through 2001 Toyota Avalon?

  A: To troubleshoot the coolant temperature gauge, check the fuses. If the gauge is not working, disconnect the wire at the Coolant Temperature Sensor and observe the gauge's behavior and if the reading drops, replace the sending unit. If the reading remains high, there may be a short in the wire. If the gauge fails to show any indication once the engine warms up, disconnect the wire at the sending unit and use a jumper wire to connect it to clean ground on the engine. Then, if the gauge still doesn't respond, there may be an open circuit. In order to remove the sending unit, drain the coolant, disconnect the wiring connector, and remove the unit using a wrench. Once you are installing the new unit, tighten it securely without using thread sealer. Finally, connect the wiring connector, refill the cooling system, and check for any coolant leakage or issues with the gauge's function.
• Sensor, Water Temperature
  89422-16010
  Q: How to replace the coolant temperature sending unit on 2002 through 2008 Toyota Solara and 2002 through 2006 Toyota Avalon?

  A: Non-toxic coolant is available at local auto parts stores. Although the coolant is non-toxic when fresh, proper disposal of used coolant is still required. First, drain the coolant. Next, disconnect the electrical connector from the sending unit. On four-cylinder models the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor also functions as the coolant temperature sending unit - it's located on the left (driver's) end of the cylinder head. The coolant temperature sending unit no. 2 on V6 engines is located in the water outlet at the passenger's side of the engine - use a deep socket to remove it (sensor no. 1 is threaded into the lower tank of the Radiator). Using a deep socket or wrench, remove the sending unit. Install the new unit and tighten it securely. Do not use thread sealer as it may electrically insulate the sending unit. Reconnect the electrical connector, refill the cooling system, and check for coolant leakage and proper gauge function.
• Sensor, Water Temperature
  89422-20010
  Q: How to check and replace the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor on 1997 through 2001 Toyota Avalon and 1997 through 2001 Toyota Solara?

  A: To start with, the Coolant Temperature Sensor uses a thermistor that adjusts its resistance based on temperature changes. This resistance variation directly affects the voltage signal sent from the sensor to the PCM. Problems with the ECT sensor circuits will trigger a diagnostic trouble code. To check the ECT sensor, detach the electrical connector and measure the resistance between the sensor's terminals using an ohmmeter. The resistance should be between 2,500 and 3,000 ohms at room temperature. When the sensor is warmed in water, the resistance should decrease to around 250 to 300 ohms at 180 degrees F. If the test results are incorrect, you will need to replace the ECT sensor. Then replace the sensor, drain about one gallon of coolant, wrap the threads of the new sensor with Teflon sealing tape, disconnect the electrical connector, and detach the old sensor. After that, the installation is the reverse step of the removal process. Finally, you can refill the cooling system.