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ETC sensor

Tiny
EDWARD L NOVION
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 SAAB 9-7X
  • 4.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
My temperature gauge randomly stops working and it shuts off the AC. I think it is the ETC sensor. Bought a new one but cannot get to the old one. I saw a wire on the back right side of the engine but could not follow it down. Am I in the right location?
I have also heard that it could be the thermostat. Any ideas on how to determine which one it is? Otherwise the car runs fine and no sign of overheating. It is very random and lately it will stay of for about five minutes then kicks back on.
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Tuesday, August 15th, 2017 AT 8:43 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,643 POSTS
Hello,

The engine coolant temperature sensor looks like it is at the rear of the cylinder head. Here is a diagram (below) that shows the location:

Here is a guide to help you get an idea of what you are in for when changing the sensor:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-temperature-sensor-cts-replacement

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
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Wednesday, August 16th, 2017 AT 10:33 PM
Tiny
EDWARD L NOVION
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  • 5 POSTS
Ken, Thanks for the reply. I think you are right on the location. It is going to be very hard to get a wrench on it. I do not know if that is the problem or it is the thermostat or something else. I wanted to figure out the actual reason for the temperature gauge occasionally not working before changing the ECT sensor.
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Thursday, August 17th, 2017 AT 2:20 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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9 times out of 10 its the sensor
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+1
Friday, August 18th, 2017 AT 12:28 PM
Tiny
EDWARD L NOVION
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ruled out the thermostat. Went on a road trip and no overheating with temperature around 90.
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Friday, August 25th, 2017 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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That's good to hear, is the problem solved or?
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Friday, August 25th, 2017 AT 8:07 PM
Tiny
EDWARD L NOVION
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Finally had it replaced yesterday. Everything is working fine. Mechanic complained how hard it was to reach. That he will charge more next time.
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Saturday, September 9th, 2017 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, glad you got the problem fixed. Please use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Tell a friend please.

Cheers, Ken
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Saturday, September 9th, 2017 AT 11:00 AM
Tiny
EDWARD L NOVION
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ken,
Spoke too soon. It stopped working again. Now I have to figure out what the real problem is.
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Monday, September 11th, 2017 AT 12:33 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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The only thing I can think of is a wiring or computer problem. Here is a guide and the engine and coolant sensor wiring diagrams so you can do some testing.

If everything checks out I would try to find a used engine computer and plug it in to see if it fixes the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, September 11th, 2017 AT 11:20 AM

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