Coolant temperature sensor '93 Dakota

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DLC - 09 Aug 2005 21:17 GMT

The Coolant temperature sensor on my '93 Dakota measures too low when I
check the resistance according to the shop manual.

Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a replacement for this sensor
at parts stores or the local Dodge dealer.

The sensor on my Dakota is small and has only one pin. The parts stores
have a larger unit with two pins.

Any one else have this problem?

Is the faulty sensor likely to cause any problems? The gauge when the
engine is fully warm is just above the C.

Thanks

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Tom Lawrence - 10 Aug 2005 01:07 GMT

> The sensor on my Dakota is small and has only one pin. The parts stores
> have a larger unit with two pins.

Does it look like this:

http://www.rockauto.com/ref/ACDelco/Detail.html?C1860.jpg

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DLC - 12 Aug 2005 16:42 GMT

DLC writes:

No, the pin on my sensor is a flat pin about 1/16 wide.

I guess, I am going to take the sensor out and see if there are any part
numbers or other information on it.

It looks like it may be hard to get at as it is behind the alternator
and other stuff.

Thanks

>>The sensor on my Dakota is small and has only one pin. The parts stores
>>have a larger unit with two pins.
>
> Does it look like this:
>
> http://www.rockauto.com/ref/ACDelco/Detail.html?C1860.jpg

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TBone - 10 Aug 2005 14:27 GMT

Are you sure that you are looking at the correct sensor? If the reading was
too low, the gauge should be toward the high side.

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> The Coolant temperature sensor on my '93 Dakota measures too low when I
> check the resistance according to the shop manual.
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>
> Thanks

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DLC - 12 Aug 2005 16:39 GMT

DLC writes:

If I unplug the sensor and turn the ignition on, the gauge reads low
(all the way to the left). If I short the lead (Still unplugged)to
ground, the gauge reads high (all the way to the right). So I am
confident I am dealing with the coolant sensor. It is just behind the
alternator.

The service manual suggests the correct resistance should be between 10k
and 13k at 70 degrees. The sensor reads 2k. I haven't checked the
sensor with the engine warm. I know this seems backward and the gauge
should read high, but 2k is not a normal reading, so I thought I would
change out the sensor. By the way, the temperature gauge has read low
since I bought the vehicle last year.

The only reason I am concerned is that I am still having stalling and
backfiring problems and have replaced the catalytic converter, muffler,
distributer cap and rotor, spark plugs, ignition wires, O2 sensor, fuel
filter, air filter, and EGR valve. I have also checked for vacuum leaks.
So I am trying to fix anything that is possibly related.

The backfiring occurs when I am driving at a constant highway speed and
encounter a hill. As I gently apply more throttle to maintain the
speed, the engine will briefly stall and backfire through the exhaust.
If I let off the gas for a few seconds, the engine will begin to run
smoothly and everything seems normal. On a 400 mile trip, this may
happen 2-3 times.

Any ideas?

Thanks

> Are you sure that you are looking at the correct sensor? If the reading was
> too low, the gauge should be toward the high side.

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aarcuda69062 - 13 Aug 2005 01:12 GMT

> DLC writes:
>
[quoted text clipped - 25 lines]
>
> Any ideas?

Why are you screwing around with the sender for the dash gauge in
order to solve a driveability problem?

As for ideas; you might want to check the distributor for worn
out bushings.

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DLC - 13 Aug 2005 03:44 GMT

>>DLC writes:
>>
[quoted text clipped - 31 lines]
> As for ideas; you might want to check the distributor for worn
> out bushings.

DLC writes:

I believe that the coolant sensor is one of the inputs the computer uses
in setting the timing, but you are right that I am probably wasting
energy with this.

I will check the distributer bushings and the distributer position
sensor as well.

Thanks

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aarcuda69062 - 13 Aug 2005 04:53 GMT

> >>DLC writes:
> >>
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
> in setting the timing, but you are right that I am probably wasting
> energy with this.

There are two distinctly different components;
1) Temperature 'sending unit' which inputs to the dash gauge.
2) Coolant temperature 'sensor' which inputs to the PCM according
to coolant temperature.
Device #1 has nothing to do with engine operation other than to
let you know if the engine is overheating, and it's not very good
at that.

> I will check the distributer bushings and the distributer position
> sensor as well.
>
> Thanks

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