share result Saturn SL1 thermostat / temp sensor.

Discussion in 'Saturn S-series' started by Roger E, Jul 18, 2008.

  1. Roger E

    Roger E Guest

    results to share w/ folks....

    Car: 1995 Saturn SL1 SOHC.

    Symptom: Temperature gauge reads temperature but engine is running cool.
    Temp Gauge below typical running temperature. About 2 minutes after car
    starts running the radiator fan starts and runs until ignition is off.
    Season is summer; environmental temp is about 27 deg Celsius. Typical
    drive is 60 minutes duration. Engine is not overheating. No leaks in
    coolant system/hoses, reservoir level is good. Coolant mix is
    ethylene-glycol coolant with distilled water in a 70:30 ratio.

    My thoughts: From reading my Haynes manual, it appears the thermostat is
    stuck open. However it appeared to be also a sensor problem as the fan
    is running on....

    Troubleshooting:
    1. Wiring harness ok
    2. checked the PCM/CCC/computer trouble codes = code 14 only. Temp
    sensor high temp.
    3. I replaced the engine coolant temp sensor and viola the problem is
    resolved. The new sensor (Niehoff) has a brass body at the sensor tip.
    The original was a plastic body and it appeared to have a small crack in
    the body. I hear there's alot of trouble with these. Anyway lookup a
    great how-to-fix video on Youtube ... very well done by Richard
    ("richpin06a")
    4. I did not replace the thermostat.


    Cheers, Roger
     
    Roger E, Jul 18, 2008
    #1
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