Engine coolant temperature sensor

2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
150,000 MILES
Avatar
ALEX.GRIFFIN042892
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
okay, so my temperature sensor was not working so i decided to replace it, but the thing is that i could not find the exact sensor that my car uses. Which is the one that has 3 pins. My question is, can i install a sensor that only has 2 pins? instead of 3 like this one?
Jul 13, 2019 at 2:39 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ALEX.GRIFFIN042892
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Darn, i can't upload the images. but the one that my car uses has 3 pins and the one that i am asking if i can install has only 2 pins.
Jul 13, 2019 at 2:41 AM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,117 POSTS
Welcome to 2CarPros. No you cannot use the 2 pin sensor. They are entirely different in how they work and are not interchangeable. Which engine do you have the 2.4 or the 3.0?
Jul 13, 2019 at 4:37 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
ALEX.GRIFFIN042892
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
i have the 2.4, but i can't find the 3 pin triangle or oval shape sensor and the connector pigtail either.
Jul 13, 2019 at 4:40 AM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 15,117 POSTS
Okay that sensor is:
Toyota part - 8942216010 or 8942222030,
Also used by Mazda as - KLK118840

For aftermarket try - BECK/ARNLEY 1580604 and NTK EF0089
RockAuto.com has them if you cannot find them local.

The pigtail will probably need to be a salvage item, There isn't a part number listed for a repair but if you use the sensor number and connector pigtail you might find it.

If you have the old part here is how to test it:

Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance between terminal 1 and 2. Use a small pot of water and a thermometer. Start the test in room temperature water and then raise the water temperature to around 180 degrees.

Resistance:
Approx. 20°C (68°F) 2.29-2.6 kOhms
Approx. 80°C (176°F) 0.300 - 0.327 kOhms

What makes you think it isn't working?
Image (Click to enlarge)
Attached Media
Jul 13, 2019 at 7:04 AM