2003 Ram 2500 Engine Coolant Sensor

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Frank Warner - 17 Nov 2008 19:07 GMT

Got a check engine light on my 2003 Ram 2500 with 5.7L Hemi over the
weekend. I checked the ECM and got the code P0116, "Engine Coolant
Temperature Circuit Range/Performance Problem." No other codes came up.

After a couple of hours on the Internets I've determined that I've got
a faulty or shorting coolant temperature sensor. They are relatively
cheap and (it looks like) easy to replace, but I cannot find any info
about where it is located on the 5.7L hemi engine or replacement
procedures/warnings.

I'd be much obliged if one of you kind souls can point me to any online
diagrams and procedures for this job. What I was able to find did not
seem to apply to this engine. Pictures would be helpful. "Behind and
below the alternator" doesn't help because there seems to be a whole
lot of other stuff packed in there.

Also, is the truck safe to drive for a couple of days while I get the
part and the time to replace it?

Many thanks,

-Frank

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PeterD - 17 Nov 2008 20:33 GMT

>Got a check engine light on my 2003 Ram 2500 with 5.7L Hemi over the
>weekend. I checked the ECM and got the code P0116, "Engine Coolant
>Temperature Circuit Range/Performance Problem." No other codes came up.
>
>After a couple of hours on the Internets I've determined that I've got
>a faulty or shorting coolant temperature sensor.

Oh, and no chance of a stuck thermostat not allowing the truck to
properly heat up?

> They are relatively
>cheap and (it looks like) easy to replace, but I cannot find any info
>about where it is located on the 5.7L hemi engine or replacement
>procedures/warnings.

5.7L V-8:
The Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor on
the 5.7L engine is located under the air conditioning
compressor (Fig. 12). It is installed into a water
jacket at the front of the cylinder block.

WARNING: HOT, PRESSURIZED COOLANT CAN
CAUSE INJURY BY SCALDING. COOLING SYSTEM
MUST BE PARTIALLY DRAINED BEFORE REMOVING
THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.

You must unbolt the A/C compressor and carefully move it out of the
way to replace the sensor. But check again that the sensor is
defective or not, as there are other problems which will cause this
code.

>I'd be much obliged if one of you kind souls can point me to any online
>diagrams and procedures for this job. What I was able to find did not
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>Also, is the truck safe to drive for a couple of days while I get the
>part and the time to replace it?

Probably OK to drive. Most commonly, if the Check Engine Light is
steady on, it is OK to drive, but won't be effieient. If the Check
Engine Light is blinking, do not drive!

>Many thanks,
>
>-Frank

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Frank Warner - 17 Nov 2008 21:06 GMT

> >Got a check engine light on my 2003 Ram 2500 with 5.7L Hemi over the
> >weekend. I checked the ECM and got the code P0116, "Engine Coolant
[quoted text clipped - 39 lines]
> steady on, it is OK to drive, but won't be effieient. If the Check
> Engine Light is blinking, do not drive!

Thanks, Peter. Do you have a link for the above information? I'm
interested in seeing Fig. 12.

-Frank

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PeterD - 17 Nov 2008 23:34 GMT

>> >Got a check engine light on my 2003 Ram 2500 with 5.7L Hemi over the
>> >weekend. I checked the ECM and got the code P0116, "Engine Coolant
[quoted text clipped - 44 lines]
>
>-Frank

Sorry, no link. Figure 12 shows the compressor. As best I can tell
from the image the sensor is easy to spot. Consider a good light and a
mirror and peer under the compressor and see what is there.

If need be I can look at an 04 Hemi and see if there is something to
reference to in finding it.

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damnnickname - 18 Nov 2008 21:18 GMT

I wouldnt worry about the sensor. The code you have is a rationality faul
and more then likely the engine thermostat is causing this code to set. I
is a common fault and the fix has always been the thermostat.

Glenn Beasley
Chrysler Tech
damnnickname@yahoo.co

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