Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor - Located Where?

Zelf24 · Oct 24, 2015

Hey all,

So my 2002 Honda Accord EX V6 Coupe (230k miles) has thrown code P0116, which indicates the engine coolant temperature sensor giving trouble. This makes sense, because my car has begun having trouble starting when hot, and doesn't give as much of an issue when cold. From what I've seen online with other cars, it should be cheap enough, and easy enough to replace myself- the only problem is, where is it located on our cars? No amount of googling appears to help me.

Thanks!

CarbedUp · Oct 25, 2015

Near upper radiator hose.

Here:

Zelf24 · Oct 25, 2015

CarbedUp, thank you!!!! Exactly what I was looking for. I hope that you have a great day!

Zelf24 · Oct 26, 2015

CarbedUp, is this easy enough to replace on one's own, or does it require special tools? The dealer quoted me $116 (parts + labor) to replace, so I figure this has to be a pretty simple swap. If so, could I ask you to explain the process?

Thank you in advance.

bairdandrew77 · Oct 26, 2015

Drain the coolant so it doesn't spill. Unplug connu. Use appropriate tool to screw it off, not sure which size it is. Screw in new one with thread sealant to avoid leaking. Refill and bleed coolant. Plug in connector. Pretty easy job to do

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spacemonkee23 · Oct 26, 2015

You shouldn't need to drain any coolant out. Make sure the engine is cold. It should have an O-Ring so I wouldn’t put any Teflon tape or sealer on it.
When you take the old one out make sure the old O-Ring is not stuck in the manifold (double O-rings will leak like a sieve). Bolt the new one back in, do not over tighten it. You could burp the cooling system as a precaution but you should be fine.

I would get a OEM Honda sensor if you can.

Zelf24 · Oct 29, 2015

Just wanted to let everyone know that I successfully swapped out the sensor last night, thanks to everyone's help. The car is now running like a top, and no more trouble codes!

Thank you all!!!

hashwilliams · Nov 3, 2015

You should not replace drain coolant as it is recommended by many mechanics.!

Pardie · Nov 4, 2015

When I replace engine coolant sensors on older vehicles, I always put some Teflon tape on the threads of the sensor.

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Zelf24 · Nov 5, 2015

For what it's worth, I avoided putting any extraneous tape, etc on the new sensor, as the old sensor I removed didn't have any. The old sensor simply had an O-ring [as spacemonkee23 stated] and the replacement sensor had an O-ring as well. I installed the new sensor with new O-ring in place and have had no leakage problems whatsoever.